Horizons Council Rejects Funding for Ashhurst School Bus Routes

The future of school transportation for secondary students in Ashhurst remains uncertain as the Horizons Regional Council has once again declined a funding request from the Ministry of Education. This decision follows a review of school bus services in Palmerston North, which revealed that many students were ineligible for government transport assistance because they did not attend the closest school to their residence.

Currently, approximately 250 students rely on ministry buses each day to travel from Ashhurst to Palmerston North. Community members have expressed significant concern over the potential loss of these services. At present, only one public transport bus operated by Horizons runs at a suitable time for students, accommodating only around 50 passengers.

In June, Horizons rejected an earlier request from the ministry to establish new bus routes for Ashhurst. On October 17, 2023, the council dismissed another proposal that sought to provide additional school bus services between Ashhurst and Palmerston North starting in July 2026, with shared funding lasting until June 30, 2027.

The initiative would require an investment of $120,000 from the council in the first year, which would be recovered through a targeted rate in Palmerston North. Students would also incur fares for the service. During discussions, several councillors voiced strong opposition to the proposal.

Councillor Gordon McKellar noted that the existing bus service does not adequately meet the needs of students, stating, “We haven’t got a public transport service that gets them to school on time because half of them are left behind.” He emphasized that education funding should be a government responsibility rather than a burden on local ratepayers.

Chairwoman Rachel Keedwell criticized the ministry’s outdated policy, suggesting it shifts the responsibility onto the council, which could face backlash from the community if it later decides to impose costs on ratepayers or discontinue the service.

Councillor Emma Clarke added that the ministry should take full responsibility for transportation, asserting, “It’s not our responsibility and I feel we’d be setting quite a precedent.” Councillor Sam Ferguson articulated concerns about the long-term implications of accepting the ministry’s offer, suggesting that doing so would obligate future councils to continue the service amid community expectations.

Councillor Alan Taylor expressed frustration over the government’s approach to public transport, describing it as “perverse.” He pointed out the paradox of encouraging regional public transport expansion only to withdraw funding once such services are established.

Initially, Councillor Jono Naylor proposed a more collaborative approach, suggesting that the council express willingness to take on the service from July 1, 2027, contingent upon co-funding from the New Zealand Transport Agency. However, he later reversed his stance, emphasizing the urgency of addressing students’ transportation needs.

Horizons transport services manager Mark Read indicated that the cost of a chartered bus service from Ashhurst would amount to $400 per term per student. As discussions continue, the community awaits clarity on the future of school transport services, particularly as term one of next year approaches.