Chemnitz: Parents are desperate – youth taxi no longer supports them!

Chemnitz: Parents are desperate – youth taxi no longer supports them!

Since the beginning of the month, new rules for school transport have been in effect in Chemnitz, which have significant consequences for many families. According to a report in the Free Press, there are increasing rejections of applications to cover the cost of daily trips to school, and this not least affects children who are already in difficult situations.One example is nine-year-old Lisa Bergert from Mittelbach, who recently moved to third grade. Your journey to school takes an impressive 47 minutes and takes you right across the city. Contrary to her parents' wishes, the school authorities have decided that she should go to school alone in the future.

The Chemnitz city council has passed a new statute for school transport, which serves as the legal basis for processing applications. With this regulation, the provision of services is aligned more closely with the school regulations.In future, the funding and approval of travel costs will only be for attending the nearest or least expensive school, which means that many children who live further away or attend an independent school will receive less support.

Cost savings through new rules

The city expects annual cost savings of 755,000 euros. A further step in this direction is the increase in the personal contribution for the education ticket from 150 euros to 180 euros, as it is now valid for twelve months.According to the Saxon School Act, the districts and independent cities are responsible for school transport and can regulate various aspects in their statutes, such as reimbursement regulations and personal contributions.

The new regulations limit school transport to one or two trips per day as well as block and pick-up times. This practice has been used in special schools for many years and is now being expanded to other schools. Waiting times for pickup are also defined: a maximum of 45 minutes is set for elementary school students and special needs students up to fourth grade, while longer waiting times are accepted for older students.

Conclusion and outlook

It remains to be seen how these regulations will affect families in Chemnitz. The pressure on parents and children is increasing, especially in cases like that of Lisa Bergert, who is now expected to go without support because of one of the longest journeys to school. Hopefully the city will stand behind the children and find solutions that can bring both financial savings and ensure the safety and well-being of the students.

Further details about school transport in Saxony can be found on the official website of the school authorities, which provide extensive information and contacts for questions.