Why Has MERSD Instituted a User Fee?

User fees help to defray the cost of optional bus service that MERSD is not required to provide by law. 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 apply to non-reimbursable students who reside less than 1.5 miles from their school.