A major change has been announced in Lakewood’s ongoing school transportation situation, with the additional fee for non-mandated busing now set at additional $290 per student, significantly lower than the previously announced $945 charge.

Following discussions involving the Lakewood Student Transportation Authority (LSTA), local and state government officials, askanim, and representatives of Igud Hamosdos, schools are now being advised to tell parents to opt in for transportation.

The new guidance marks a reversal from Igud Hamosdos’ earlier recommendation that parents take no action while efforts were underway to address the sharply increased transportation costs.

In an email sent to local mosdos on Monday, Igud Hamosdos said the reduced fee was reached following extensive meetings and discussions aimed at ensuring that transportation for Lakewood’s children begins on schedule.

“We are pleased to share that, following meetings and discussions with the LSTA, our local and state government officials, and askanim, the additional non-mandated busing fee has been reduced to an additional $290 per student,” the email stated.

Igud Hamosdos told mosdos that its recommendation had therefore changed and asked them to notify parents as quickly as possible that they should now opt in.

The $290 payment is due at the time of enrollment.

According to the notice, the LSTA portal is scheduled to go live Monday at 2:00 PM, and the LSTA office will remain open until 10:00 PM Monday night to accommodate those who need to use the kiosks in person.

Igud Hamosdos also provided schools with suggested language to distribute directly to parents, explaining that the reduced rate was reached in an effort to ensure busing begins on time. The message added that work will continue with the various stakeholders involved to explore longer-term solutions for the community’s transportation needs.

The development follows days of uncertainty surrounding non-mandated busing after families were informed that they could face a substantially higher out-of-pocket cost for transportation during the upcoming school year.

While Monday’s reduction provides significant immediate relief for families and clears the way for parents to enroll their children, questions surrounding the long-term funding of non-mandated transportation in Lakewood remain.

Igud Hamosdos said it intends to continue working with the parties involved throughout the year and will provide updates as further developments occur.