Why is there no School Bus Transportation to Rye Public Schools?

Why is there no School Bus Transportation to Rye Public Schools? For a city of 15,000 of which almost a third of the population are children under 19 years old, it is surprising (in fact, somewhat shocking) to find that Rye does not offer school bus transportation. It is a school district consisting of 3 elementary schools, 1 middle school and a high school, it does not seem to make sense. While if you venture 5 minutes away to Rye Brook, you will see the familiar sight of yellow school buses around town. Why do some Westchester School districts offer school bus transportation while others do not?

Rye is a City

The answer is because Rye is a City. By New York State Law, Cities are not required to provide bus transportation to its residents.

Westchester Non-City Districts are required to provide bus transportation

On the other hand, non-city districts are required to provide bus transportation for students. Elementary School and Middle School students who live more than 2.0 miles from school are eligible for bus transportation while High School students who live more than 3.0 miles from their school are eligible for bus transportation. Non-city districts are also required to provide bus transportation to students attending private or parochial schools residing within 15 miles to school. Special Education students attending schools within 50 miles are eligible for bus transportation in non-city districts.

Rye School Bus was Under Utilized

Rye used to provide school bus transportation to students however, it was under utilized. Many parents opted to drop off their children. In the afternoon, the after school bus was under utilized because of busy after school schedules making it difficult for the students to make the afternoon bus. As a result, Rye decided to save on tax payers dollars and cut school bus transportation.

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