Do public charter schools provide transportation for students?

Despite over half a billion dollars being spent in North Carolina every year on public school transportation, there is NO law that requires any public school system to provide transportation. In 2015, 42% of public charter schools provided busing. This number has increased annually since the elimination of the public charter school cap. As a result, many schools provide gift cards, pay for private transportation or provide bus passes to ensure transportation is not a barrier.

Side note: Last year, Wake County transported a little over 70,000 students – about 45% of their population – and spent over $19 million. Since public charter schools serve more than one county, this cost would be overwhelming due to their already stretched operational budget.