School Transport

The Council provides free transport to all children who live over two miles walking distance from school, in the case of primary school children, and three miles for secondary school pupils. Free School Transport is also provided for children with additional support needs. School transport routes are determined by the pick-up locations required for pupils who are entitled to free school transport.

Privilege seats and fare paying buses

Pupils who live within two miles of primary school or three miles of secondary school may be able to travel on school transport at a charge. Where spare seats are available on a school transport route parents/carers can apply for a privilege place for their child by downloading an application form. The application form includes information on prices and payment methods for Privilege Passes. Discounts are available for pupils entitled to Free School Meals, and to families with 3 or more children travelling to the same school. If you submit an application part way through a school year you will be charged on a pro-rata basis. You can contact us to find out the specific charge that will apply to your application. The application form you need to complete is on page 6 of the booklet.

• To apply for transport for the current school year (2011-12) please call us on 01224 664031 and we will post an application form to you.
• Information on how to apply is provided in the application form. Use this form to apply for the school year beginning August 2012. In-zone Guidance and Application form for school year 2012-2013 (pdf 203kb)

If a seat is available on a suitable school transport route the pupil will be issued with a Privilege Pass and advised of the pick-up location. If the home is within the catchment area of the school that the child attends, then there is no need to re-apply for transport each year. Unless advised otherwise we will assume that the pupil requires transport until he or she leaves school, and a pass will be issued each year. If a pupil no longer requires transport or moves address, details can be emailed to school.transport@aberdeenshire.gov.uk.

Pupils should always carry their pass when travelling on school transport. Lost passes should be reported to the school office and they will be replaced at a small charge. Further information can be found in the Home-to-School Transport leaflet

The Council retains the right to withdraw privilege transport or to re-designate the pick-up and drop-off point (PUDO).

Out of Zone Privilege Seat Applications

All Aberdeenshire addresses fall within the catchment area of a primary school and a secondary school. If you do not know which schools your home is zoned to, check the interactive map.

If a privilege seat is requested for a pupil who is not attending their zoned school, there is no guarantee that a seat will be provided. A seat can only be allocated if there is school transport operating within the area, and if there is a seat available on the vehicle.

If the transport application is approved the pupil will be allocated a pick-up point on the existing school transport route. A privilege seat is only awarded for as long as a seat is available during the current school year. The Council reserves the right to withdraw transport if the seat is required for a child travelling to their zoned school. Under such circumstances we will provide you with a minimum of two weeks notice to make alternative transport arrangements, and we wil provide you with a refund for the remainder of the school year.

A new application form must be submitted to the Public Transport Unit prior to the start of each new school year. The application can only be considered following the allocation of seats to pupils traveling to their zoned school.

• To apply for transport for the current school year (2011-12) please call us on 01224 664031 and we will post an application form to you.
• Application forms for school year 2012-13 will be available here from 1 June 2012.

The Council retains the right to withdraw privilege transport or to re-designate the pick-up and drop-off point (PUDO).

Season Tickets for Farepaying School Buses

There are 21 school transport services which operate as local bus services which are open to the general public. Such services operate to the following schools: Aboyne Academy, Alford Academy, Banchory Academy, Banff Academy, Castle Park Primary, Ellon Academy, Gordon Schools, Kemnay Academy, Mackie Academy, Mearns Academy, Portlethen Academy and Turriff Academy. You can view or download the list below.

• Farepaying School Buses (pdf 48kb)

On these services pupils may purchase single, return or multi-journey tickets from the driver. Alternatively, parents can apply to purchase a season ticket by downloading the correct application form. For details of the times of these buses please visit our Timetables section.

• To apply for transport for the current school year (2011-12) please call us on 01224 664031 and we will post an application form to you.
• Information on how to apply is provided in the application form. Use this form to apply for the school year beginning August 2012. In Zone Guidance and Application Form 2012-2013
• Application forms for out of zone season tickets for school year 2012-13 will be available from 1 June 2012.

Contact Us

Find out more about Free School Transport and School Travel Plans