HUNDREDS of Derry families who rely on free school buses could be forced to pay for them if new rules recommended in a review are implemented.
The education department is recommending the North follows a system in the Republic – which caused uproar last year – where children only get free buses or taxis if they attend the school nearest to them.
That system would work regardless of the type of school – Catholic, controlled, secondary or grammar.
There would be two exceptions – for Irish language and integrated schools where no restrictions would apply.
Currently children living more than two miles from their primary school or three miles from their secondary level school are entitled to free travel.
The Stormont administration believes the new rules will save £30 million of its current annual £100 million bill.
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