Why Has MERSD Instituted a User Fee?

User fees help to defray the cost of the additional optional bus service that the district (MERSD) offers. Massachusetts General Law (MGL) requires MERSD to transport only students residing more than two miles from school. However, because regional school districts receive a state reimbursement for students transported 1.5 miles or further, the MERSD bus fee will only be charged to students who live less than 1.5 miles from their school.