School bus fee changes put to public

Proposed changes to fares for home to school transport are being consulted on by Bucks County Council.

Plans include changes to the pricing structure for pupils over 16, who would benefit from a reduction in their annual fee – so long as they don’t live in what is defined as within walking distance from school. Pupils aged under 16 living outside of the county who attend a Bucks school could also have their charges changed.

The consultation, which runs until May 28, asks if the council should continue to provide free over 16 transport to poorer pupils and those with special needs and a ‘discretionary fare’ service for post 16s.

The council is not legally obliged to provide transport to those over 16 or who live outside the county.

Sue Imbriano, strategic director for children and young people, said: “We are very keen to hear the views of parents and carers on these planned changes to fares for post-16 home to school transport. As a local authority, we are seeing our budgets cut year on year so must regularly review all of our services to find new ways of continuing our core statutory services, while trying to maintain some of our non-statutory ones, too.

“So I hope people will take the time to give us their views to assist councillors in making a decision.”

The consultation is available on the county council website.