26/6/98
Transport Minister Eric Charlton said today that the review into transport assistance for students had already shown there was a need to continue to improve the service.
"While the current policy has provided a good school bus system, the review has shown a need for the policy to be more innovative and provide transport options for students," Mr Charlton said.
"Parents want the ability to send their children to a school of choice and the right to a transport service is provided in the draft recommendations.
"Consultation is continuing but I want to give an assurance to everyone that no decisions will be made by Government until after the final report is received.
"The review is not about contracts, it is about focussing how best to streamline the service and meet the needs of the main beneficiaries, namely the students.
"The review has set out to make sure that the most effective service possible is provided and we can only do that by reviewing input from the community."
Mr Charlton said the review committee would continue its work and report back with its recommendations in September.
"In the meantime the Government has made no decision to increase fees but is continuing the process of consultation," he said.
For further information contact review chairperson Barbara Morrell 041 238 1418.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333
