The existing school transportation framework in Greece – Barriers and problems comparing to other European countries

Abstract

Abstract School Transportation is a crucial issue for society, as it ensures that all children have access to schooling and brings students of all ages to schools and other educational facilities where they can study. An inefficient provision of such a service voids the right to free education especially for children originating from low-income families or children living in remote areas with no access to public transportation services. Generally, school transportation is defined as the transfer of students to and from school, school events and activities. It can be undertaken by students themselves (on foot, bicycle), parents, family members and caregivers can accompany them, or it can be organized collectively. One of the most common modes for school transportation is the use of public transport with a relevant financial aid or reimbursement given to parents. Alternatively, many countries make use of special built and equipped school buses, following specific rules and restrictions with an ultimate scope to increase students’ safety levels. In this case, school buses are provided by transport operators under a public bidding process. Regarding the provided safety to students during their school trip, the school buses are on the top of the list between the other alternative transport modes. Focusing on the existing Greek school transportation system, the present paper makes an effort to record in detail the legislative framework that governs it, while at the same time it investigates and identifies best practices applied around Europe. The barriers and problems derive from the analysis, lead to specific conclusions regarding the qualitative characteristics of the Greek transportation system.