TRENTON, NJ—A proposed bill in New Jersey, introduced by Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson and Assemblyman Benjie E. Wimberly, aims to shorten the minimum distance required for public and nonpublic school students to be eligible for school transportation.

Under the new bill, the distance threshold for both elementary and high school students would be reduced from two miles and two and a half miles to one and a half miles, respectively.

Currently, New Jersey law mandates school districts to provide transportation for elementary students living more than two miles away and high school students more than two and a half miles away from their schools. The proposed amendment seeks to lessen these distances, thereby increasing the number of students eligible for school transportation.

Additionally, the bill aligns the transportation eligibility criteria under the “Interdistrict Public School Choice Program Act” with these new mileage requirements.

This change is part of an effort to ensure consistency across different educational programs and enhance accessibility for students traveling to school.

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