The state Department of Education is encouraging parents to purchase bus passes for their children before the start of the 2009-10 school year.

With three weeks remaining until school starts on July 30, about 30,000 student riders, or 75 percent, have not bought their bus passes, the department reported in a news release.

Parents can download bus application forms and student transportation information at http://iportal.k12.hi.us/SBT or contact their child's school.

The completed application form and payment should be submitted to the child's school.

Rate schedules and eligibility requirements for school bus services are also available on the Web site. The school bus fare is 35 cents per trip, except in Maui County, which provides a subsidy. Fares are purchased by academic quarter or for the full year.

For additional information, contact your child's school or the DOE Student Transportation Services Branch at 586-0170.