Pupil Transportation

Homeless Transportation

A homeless child is defined as a child who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.  Where a student has been placed in emergency housing by the Department of Social Services (DSS) outside of the school district the student has designated to attend and is eligible for Emergency Assistance for Families (EAF), transportation shall be provided by DSS. 

Where the student is temporarily living in a Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY) shelter outside of the school district the student has designated to attend, the RHY shelter may provide transportation and will be fully reimbursed by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). If the RHY shelter is unwilling or unable to provide transportation, the school district must provide transportation and will be fully reimbursed by NYSED.

Where DSS or a RHY shelter is not responsible, the public school district where the child attends school shall provide transportation, not in excess of 50 miles, unless the Commissioner of Education certifies that transportation in excess of 50 miles is in the best interest of the child. These citations are located in Education Law Section 3209 and Section 100.2(x) of the Commissioner's Regulations. 

Finally, Districts are eligible for State Aid for transportation expenses for homeless students. For more information about how districts can receive State Aid for transportation expenses see:
The State Aid Website.

Last Updated: April 20, 2011