Bus Services
ASTN RURAL BUSES
Aoraki School Transport Network (ASTN) provides Free school bus transport assistance for eligible students to attend school by managing buses that carry approximately 800 students daily.
- School bus routes for students
- Organised and on time
- Free transport for eligible students
- Vehicles are not over loaded
- Safe and accountable
- Families are aware of changes to routes
- Concerns and accidents are promptly reported
We provide school transport on behalf of the Ministry of Education for Timaru High Schools and Pleasant Point Schools in South Canterbury New Zealand. When a student lives more than 2.4km from their nearest bus route and meet the criteria for school transport, they may be eligible for a private conveyance allowance, in addition to bus transport.
The MOE funding review of the Aoraki Schools Transport Network resulted in a reduction of bus services to the South Canterbury Schools. The overall student capacity remains the same, and although the routes may have changed, students will continue to be transported to their respective schools. It is also understood that where there is capacity on ASTN bus routes, ineligible students will be provided transport assistance. This assurance is given to TBHS, TGHS and MVHS students.
Please click on the link for the bus routes for all schools or see this site for runs related to Timaru Girls’ High only Aoraki School Transport Network Website
Code of Expected Behaviour
It is a requirement of the ASTN that any student travelling on their bus service completes a User Code of Conduct. The User Code of Conduct will be provided to students and their caregiver by individual Network Schools.
Expected behaviour of students is as follows:
- Students will remain in their seat for the whole journey
- Students will wear seat belts at all times where fitted
- Students will not eat on the bus or throw anything inside or out of the bus
- Students will respect other students and their property at all times (this includes no pushing, verbal or physical
- abuse, or any other behaviour that may distract the driver).
- Students will use socially acceptable language when conversing with the driver and/or other students and will not
- speak at a volume that may distract the driver.
- Students will respect the property of the bus operator at all times (e.g. refraining from standing on seats or
- vandalising the vehicle in any way).
- Students will not engage in any behaviour that could put the driver or other students at risk.
- Students will observe the requirements and instructions of the bus driver and the teacher/s responsible for bus duty
- at all times.
- Students understand that any damage they may cause to the bus will result in their caregiver being billed for the cost of repairs.
The safety and comfort of everyone on the bus depends on a standard of behaviour and consideration for others that is expected in the classroom. We hope that caregivers will support the school in maintaining these standards of behaviour.
IF THIS CODE OF CONDUCT IS BROKEN:
The student will be placed on notice for one week and the parent/caregiver will be notified of the breach.
If no improvement is evident, an interview will be arranged between the student, parent/caregiver, and school.
If there is still no improvement, travel on a school bus will be withdrawn, and the parent/caregiver will be required to find alternative transport to get the student to school.
In cases of serious or ongoing misbehaviour, the privilege of travelling on a school bus could be withdrawn immediately.
Emergency Procedures for Severe Weather
Events and Road Accidents:
Contact Information for Aoraki School Transport Network
- Bus Controller: Kerri Sharp
- Mobile: 0276147073
- Email: kerri.graham@farmside.co.nz
- Website: https://sites.google.com/roncalli.school.nz/astn/home/contact
- Ministry of Education website: School Transport Section: www.minedu.govt.nz/NZEducation/EducationPolicies/Schools/SchoolOperations/SchoolTransport.aspx
Severe Weather Events
Prior to the start of the School Day:
The Bus Manager and Bus Controller will make the decision that some or all of the buses will not pick up students due to severe weather conditions (rain or snow) making routes impractical or dangerous. Announcements will be made over local radio stations: Port 98FM and Classic Hits 99FM. Schools will be informed.
Road Accidents:
- The driver or other person must phone the emergency services (Dial 111) immediately.
- The driver must inform their Company Manager as soon as possible.
- The Company Manager must inform the ASTN Bus Manager and Bus Controller as soon as possible.
- The ASTN Bus Manager and Bus Controller will inform the schools.
- Schools will inform caregivers of all students who may have been on the bus.
- The bus roll is to be used by the driver/emergency personnel to account for all students who were on the bus.
- School Counsellors will offer counselling to students and families as appropriate.
- The Bus Controller will write a report for the Aoraki School Transport Network and the Ministry of Education.
