The Lakewood Student Transportation Authority (LSTA) has notified hundreds of local families of a major change to transportation eligibility for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year following new guidelines implemented by the Lakewood Township Board of Education under the State Monitor, TLS has learned.

Under the revised policy, only children born before October 1, 2021 will qualify for Board-funded transportation, leaving students born between October 1 and December 31, 2021 no longer eligible for either mandated or non-mandated bussing. According to the letter sent to parents today, the change impacts more than 500 Lakewood students — including families who had already submitted non-mandated transportation payments.

Parents who still wish to secure transportation for affected children may do so through an opt-in program, subject to seat availability, at a cost of $1,177 per child plus a $95 processing fee.

Here’s the letter sent to parents today:

Dear Parent of______

Please be advised that you are receiving this email because you currently have a child who falls within the affected age bracket for the updated transportation eligibility guidelines for the 2026-2027 school year.

The Lakewood Township Board of Education has updated its transportation eligibility guidelines in order to align with neighboring townships, including Howell, Jackson, and Toms River.

Under the revised guidelines, only students born before October 1, 2021 will be eligible for Board-funded transportation services.

As a result, students born between October 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021 will no longer qualify for mandated or non-mandated transportation for the 2026-2027 school year.
This is affecting all previously mandated students who were eligible for bussing, as well as previously non-mandated students who have already submitted the $385 non-mandated fee.

This change has impacted over 500 Lakewood students.

Families of students affected by this change do have the option to participate in transportation through the opt-in program, provided that seating is available. The cost for underage students is as follows:

• Full seat cost: $1,177 per child
• Processing fee: $95 per child

Please note that this fee structure applies to all students across all townships who are not eligible for transportation funding.

If you would like to opt-in to transportation for your child, please log on to the family portal and submit the necessary opt-in information.

Please note that the portal will remain open for opt-ins until June 8th. After that date, if payment information has not been submitted, your underage child will automatically be opted out of transportation.

The $95 processing fee will be charged as a one-time payment once routes are finalized. The remaining $1,177 seat cost will be billed monthly over a 7-month period.

We understand that this major change may have significantly impacted many families. However, please note that your township has the final authority regarding transportation eligibility and funding. The LSTA does not have the ability to change these guidelines or make adjustments for individual situations.

Your child’s information is currently listed as follows:

If any of this information is incorrect, please reach out to our office so that we can review and update the records accordingly.

As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

TLS spoke with the LSTA today who confirmed this change, which they say is out of their control.