Supporting independence through safe, reliable transport.
Cross Country proudly delivers SESTA services that help students travel safely between home and school, supporting families, communities, and schools across New Zealand.
SESTA
Safe, reliable transport that helps students get to school
For many students, getting to and from school isn't as simple as catching a bus or walking through the gate.
Cross Country delivers SESTA (Specialised School Transport Assistance) services on behalf of the Ministry of Education, helping eligible students travel safely between home and school. Every day, our teams support students and their whānau with transport that is reliable, compassionate, and tailored to individual needs.
We know that behind every journey is a student who deserves access to education, independence, and opportunity. That's why our people focus on far more than simply getting students from A to B.
What is SESTA?
Specialised School Transport Assistance (SESTA) is a Ministry of Education programme designed to help students who are unable to travel independently to and from school because of their specific needs or circumstances.
SESTA provides safe, specialised transport for eligible students, helping ensure they can access education and participate fully in school life.
Cross Country operates SESTA services in communities across New Zealand, working closely with schools, families, caregivers, and the Ministry of Education to deliver dependable daily transport solutions.
The service exists to help students access education safely and consistently, supporting their educational success and wellbeing.
Why SESTA Matters
Access to education starts with access to transport.
For many students and families, SESTA provides certainty and peace of mind each school day. A familiar driver, a consistent routine, and a safe journey can make a significant difference to a student's confidence, attendance, and overall wellbeing.
The impact extends beyond the student. SESTA helps families balance work and caregiving responsibilities, supports schools by ensuring students can attend regularly, and strengthens connections within local communities.
Every trip plays a small but important role in helping students participate in education and reach their potential.
Our people, training, and commitment to safety help thousands of student journeys happen with confidence every year.
12
operational regions across New Zealand.
918
SESTA Drivers across New Zealand
3K
Students travelling daily
SESTA
What We Do
Every student's transport needs are different.
Our experienced teams coordinate and deliver transport solutions that prioritise:
Safety First
Student safety underpins everything we do, from driver training and vehicle standards through to route planning and communication processes.
Reliable Daily Service
Families and schools can depend on our teams to provide consistent, punctual transport throughout the school year.
Compassionate Support
Our drivers develop positive relationships with students and their families, creating a welcoming and supportive transport experience.
National Experience
We operate SESTA services across multiple regions throughout New Zealand, supported by dedicated operations teams, managers, fleet coordinators and driver trainers.
The People Behind the Service
Our drivers are often some of the first people a student sees each school day and one of the last before they return home. They build trust, provide reassurance, and help create a positive start and end to each day.
Across the country, our SESTA teams are united by a shared purpose: helping students travel safely while treating every passenger with care, respect, and dignity. Cross Country's SESTA services are delivered by dedicated drivers, driver trainers, operations teams, managers, and support staff who are committed to providing safe, reliable, and compassionate transport.
Our drivers come from all walks of life. Many have backgrounds in nursing, education, business, customer service, and other professions, bringing valuable experience and diverse perspectives to their roles. What unites them is a genuine desire to support young people and make a positive contribution to their local communities. Every day, they help create a safe, welcoming environment where students can travel with confidence.
