Arrangements for school transport are being made for September, following the coronavirus pandemic.
It is ‘business as usual’ in relation to travel passes for eligible pupils.
Schoolchildren who travel to school by bus will receive their travel passes during August ready for the start of the new school year.
Pupils in primary schools and secondary schools up to Year 11 who already have travel passes do not need to re-apply – unless their details have changed, for example, a change of address or school.
It is important that families who have changed address during the last year re-apply as soon as possible to make sure their travel pass is not sent to an old address.
Pupils who are starting at a new school also need to re-apply as a matter of urgency.
Sixth form students who are returning in September need to tell us if they have not already done so.
College students need to apply for transport via their college – not through the council.
If you think your child is eligible for free transport but haven’t yet applied, we would urge you to submit your applications online as soon as possible. Applications left too late many not be processed in time for the start of the new school year.
Once you have received your travel pass, please make sure that the stopping details shown are correct, as bus / taxi drivers will only be able to pick up and drop off pupils at the locations shown on the travel passes, and at the points shown on the timetables, which will be online before the start of the new term.
Further information on the specific arrangements for school transport in relation to Covid-19 will be made in due course.
Executive Board Member for the Environment Cllr Hazel Evans said: “It’s even more important than usual this year that we manage who’s travelling on each vehicle as capacity will be reduced due to social distancing, and because of the Test Trace Protect service which is operating.
“Further information on the specific arrangements for travelling on school transport will be published as soon as possible.”
