Istria County funds free student transport amid national cost warnings

Istria County Prefect Boris Miletić has announced several regional projects, including the provision of free bus transport for all high school students in the county. To support this, the county has allocated 1.6 million euros, covering 25 percent of the total transport costs, with the remainder funded by the state budget.

Additionally, the county secured two contracts worth 2.22 million euros to equip medical facilities in Pazin, Poreč, Rovinj, Umag, and Pula, as well as the Istria Emergency Medical Institute. These funds will be used for medical equipment and vehicles.

On a national level, the Croatian Employers Association (HUP) has warned that rising operational costs for public transport providers could force parents to pay up to 76 euros more per month per student. HUP notes that state subsidies for student transport have not been adjusted since the 2022/2023 school year, despite significant increases in wages and fuel prices. If transport providers raise ticket prices without a corresponding increase in state support, the financial burden will fall on families or local government units.