Families who paid a fee for school transport in 2020/21 will receive a refund for the unused portion following the public health measure of closing schools to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Bus Éireann operates the School Transport Scheme on behalf of the Department of Education & Skills, and is managing the refund process.
How much will I be refunded?
The amount of refund due is based on the number of standard school days missed, and the original fee paid. While schools did return on a staggered basis during March, the refund is based on the closure which had the most impact that is from 6 January until 26 March 2021. Therefore a refund rate of 31% will apply to all family account holders. The table below will help determine the refund amount you can expect. Please remember that school transport fees are capped per family, and so too are the refunds.
Families availing of the medical card waiver scheme, who hadn’t yet paid the Part 2 element of the ticket in December 2020, or who had cancelled the ticket before 6 January 2021 are not due a refund as no fee contribution had been made for the period of school closure.
| Using school transport, I have: | Refund due |
|---|---|
| 1 primary school child | €31 |
| 2 primary school children | €62 |
| 3+ primary school children | €68.20 |
| 1 special education needs concessionary child (whether primary or post-primary) | €31 |
| 1 post primary school child | €108.50 |
| 2 post primary school children | €201.50 |
| 3+ post primary school children | €201.50 |
| 1 primary, 1 post primary | €139.50 |
| 1 primary, 2 post primary | €201.50 |
| 2 primary, 1post primary | €170.50 |
| 1 primary, 3+ post primary | €201.50 |
| 2+primary, 2+ post primary | €201.50 |
| 3+ primary, 1 post primary | €176.70 |
| 3+ primary, 2+ post primary | €201.50 |
How will I receive the refund?
You will receive an email from Bus Éireann if you are eligible for a refund.
The refund will be automatically made to the bank card you used to make the payment, or by cheque if you did not use a card. You do not need to do anything.
When will I get my refund?
Refunds will be issued to all entitled family account holders starting from 30th June until mid August.
Can the refund be used as a ‘credit’ against the charges due for the 21/22 school year?
No. The decision was made by the Department of Education to refund all family account holders as each year a large number of families leave the scheme due to school arrangement changes. This way was equitable for all. Bus Eireann administer the scheme on behalf of the Department of Education.
My bank card has changed
In cases where your card has changed, expired, damaged or lost, Bus Éireann will first attempt a refund, if this does not process correctly, Bus Éireann will contact you to resolve the matter.
I have changed address
If you have changed address since you paid the school transport fee, then we ask that you do please contact Bus Éireann at your local school transport office, there are 11 around the country and contact details here. Please provide your Family ID and proof of your new address.
I don’t see the refund in my account
Refunds will take between 5 & 10 working days. Please check if you have received an email from Bus Eireann indicating a refund has been processed. If you have not received the refund by Friday, 30 July, please contact our dedicated mailbox [email protected]
More information
For more information you can email our main School Transport office.
You may also contact your Local School Transport office or the Bus Éireann customer care team
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