As part of a comprehensive study of all mandates placed by the state of Illinois on elementary and secondary education, an analysis was undertaken of the student transportation mandate in its historical perspective, inquiring into its original purpose, how well that purpose has been served, whether the mandate is still needed, and whether a differently defined or implemented mandate would yield the desired result. Research methods included review of legislative documents, telephone surveys of school districts in and out of state, and examination of statistical records on attendance and transportation costs. Based on this research, it is recommended that the current mandate be repealed, to be replaced by state reimbursement of local transportation services. The mandate's original purpose--to remove barriers to school consolidation--has largely been accomplished, and school districts willingly provide transportation whether they are covered by the mandate or not. Furthermore, the mandate does little to encourage efficiency or responsiveness to local needs. Appendixes include the text of pertinent Illinois Revised Statutes, a survey of student transportation in other states, a comparative safety chart, and the state transportation reimbursement formula. (TE)