Pupil Transport

In the municipality of Aalten, children travel to school independently as much as possible. If this is not possible, parents are responsible for providing transportation, for example by taking their child to school by bicycle or car. Sometimes this is not possible, for example because the school is far away, or because your child is unable to cycle due to a disability, or because of the family situation, or a combination of these factors.

In such cases, the municipality can offer support. We refer to this as student transportation. Requirements are, in any case:

  • The municipality only grants student transportation if a student actually and permanently resides in the municipality of Aalten.
  • The costs will be reimbursed for the nearest school accessible to your child if it is more than 6 kilometers from the place of residence. The distance is calculated using the ANWB route planner (shortest route).
  • No application means no transportation. School transportation must be applied for on time and reapplied for each school year, and if allocated, it is never funded retroactively.
  • The processing period begins once the application has been received and is complete. There is a formal period of 8 weeks for processing and deciding on applications for student transportation, which may be extended by 4 weeks in exceptional cases.
  • Any necessary supervision is the responsibility of the parent/guardian. You must arrange this yourself; 

What support is available?

The student transportation scheme applies to (special) primary education and special (secondary) education. The municipality offers the following options:

Bicycle allowance

First, we will assess whether your child can cycle to school. Can your child cycle to school, possibly with supervision? If so, the municipality can offer a bicycle allowance.

Public transportation reimbursement

If your child is unable to travel by bicycle but can travel by public transport, the municipality will reimburse the costs of bus or train travel. This may also apply to an accompanying person if your child is not yet able to travel completely independently.

Mileage allowance

Is your child unable to travel to school independently or with supervision by bicycle or public transport? And are you, as a parent/guardian, able to take your child to and from school yourself? In some cases, compensation for the kilometers traveled may be possible.

Adapted transportation

If your child is unable to use a bicycle or public transportation and private transportation is not an option, your child may be eligible for special transportation (ZOOV School taxi van). As a condition for special transportation, you may be required to help your child practice using a bicycle and/or public transportation.

Combination of transport

Sometimes, the step to travel by bicycle or public transport is still a little too big. In that case, it is possible to arrange a combination of transport in consultation with the municipality. For example, traveling by bicycle until the fall break and then by minibus, or by adapted transport in the morning and by public transport in the afternoon.

To determine what is needed, we look at factors such as:

  • the distance to the school
  • the age of the student
  • limitations of the student or parents
  • the parents' own capabilities
  • the family situation

Key points to consider

Learning to travel independently

Sometimes a child is not yet able to travel independently, but will be able to do so next year. As a parent, you can help your child with this, for example by teaching them how to ride a bike or use public transport. The municipality can provide Requirements free public transport pass under Requirements so that they can practice. Parents can also obtain a companion pass to travel with their child.

You remain responsible

Even if you receive compensation or if your child travels with the adapted transport, you remain responsible for school transport. If the taxi or bus does not show up or is not running, you must arrange transport yourself.

Request transportation on time

The municipality assesses applications within eight weeks. After that, it takes up to a week to schedule taxi transport. Sometimes it takes less time, but that is not guaranteed. Therefore, please apply in good time. We can only make a decision once we have received all the necessary information.

Adapted transport is shared transport

A taxi van transports several children at the same time. Changes to your request may affect other families and the schedule. After approval, it will take another five working days before the transport is scheduled.

Fixed school hours

To keep taxi transport affordable, taxis operate according to a fixed schedule for each school. They do not take into account half days, class changes, or other exceptions.

Complaints about taxi transport

First, try to resolve any complaints with the driver or ZOOV School customer service. If that doesn't work, you can submit a complaint to the independent complaints center. ZOOV School will ensure that your complaint is handled properly and will report back to the municipality.

Do you have questions about student transportation or would you like to request support?

Call the municipality of Aalten on 0543 49 33 33 or send an email to leerlingenvervoer@aalten.nl. The student transport consultant will discuss your personal situation with you. They will look at the options available and any follow-up steps that may be necessary.

Local regulations