Computerworld

Education ministry to replace existing STRAS solution

The ministry has selected Optimation to deliver the solution.

The Ministry of Education has selected Optimation to deliver a replacement system for its school transport resourcing administration system (STRAS), a multi-million-dollar software development project.

STRAS records the students who are elegible for transport assistance to get to school and the details of the contracts with the providers who deliver the transport services. The system manages $175 million of student transport payments at the ministry each year, which provides assistance for around 105,000 students.

Optimation executive chairman Neil Butler describes STRAS as a major government project that demonstrates the strength of the New Zealand ICT industry.

“The fact that a New Zealand company is delivering to one of the key ministries for the greater good of New Zealand ticks all the boxes from our perspective,” he says.

“It will make a real difference for the wider community. The STRAS system is designed to help manage transport assistance for the many kids around the country who don't find it easy to travel to school. We've looking forward to being able to make that process more efficient and effective so they can get to school safely.”