(a) For the school years commencing July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2026, inclusive, the local or regional boards of education for each town located within twelve miles of the school districts of West Hartford, New Haven, Shelton, Stamford and Montville, shall participate in a pilot program to provide school transportation services for resident students to attend an equivalent nonpublic school located in the school districts of West Hartford, New Haven, Shelton, Stamford and Montville. Any request made by a resident student for the provision of such transportation services under this section shall be made to the local or regional board of education for the town of such resident student at least thirty days prior to receiving such transportation services. For purposes of this subsection, “resident student” means any student who is a resident of a town located within twelve miles of the school districts of West Hartford, New Haven, Shelton, Stamford and Montville, and, for the school years commencing July 1, 2017, to July 1, 2026, inclusive, is enrolled in a nonpublic school located in the school districts of West Hartford, New Haven, Shelton, Stamford and Montville.

(b) The local or regional board of education for the town of any resident student who requests and receives transportation services under subsection (a) of this section shall be reimbursed in an amount equal to the cost of such transportation for such resident student by either the resident student or by the nonpublic school in which such resident student is enrolled.

(c) A local or regional board of education shall not be required to provide such transportation services under this section if fewer than ten resident students request such board to provide such transportation services.

(d) A local or regional board of education providing such transportation services under this section may designate one or more pick-up and drop-off locations within the town.