Today is the last day of school for kids in the K-12 system and plans are already underway for September when school busing will be expanded to accommodate changes made to the 1.6 km rule.

Previously, students were eligible for regular school bus services if they lived further than 1.6 km from school. Now all students are eligible to ride the bus, regardless of where they live along the route.

NL Schools says the new transportation routes will be available in mid-July and available through the PowerSchool app, however officials expect to continue adjusting and tweaking routes between July and the start of the new school year in September.

The changes mean a “significant increase” in buses on school lots, which could require further changes to ensure safety in and around schools.

Parents are being “strongly encouraged” to avail of busing for their own convenience and to keep congestion on school lots to a minimum.