Free school bus rethink

Published 17 Aug 2010 09:30

THE area’s free transport scheme for school children is being considered for a cost saving shake-up, it has been confirmed this week.

Currently primary pupils in West Dunbartonshire who live more than one mile, and secondary children who live more than two miles from the school gate, qualify for free public transport.

This week West Dunbartonshire Council (WDC) confirmed it is looking at the possibility of changing this criteria, which could mean the introduction of charges for many parents who currently do not have to pay.

Five councils in Scotland have already changed the criteria for who can receive free public transport by increasing the minimum distance required to qualify.

According to Government legislation, free transport can be provided to pupils under the age of eight who live within two miles of the school, and three miles for older pupils.

But it is the councils themselves which decide the boundaries within those limits.

Therefore WDC could increase its current distance criteria and still meet requirements.

A Vale parent, whose child receives free transport by train to secondary school, said introducing charges for more parents would have a damaging effect.

She said: “If you had to pay there will be some that wouldn’t be able to afford that. There are a lot of we’ans that have single parents who would find it hard - it might be a real struggle especially for those who have more than one child. A lot of us don’t have cars.”

A council spokesperson said: “The council is in the process of reviewing all possible options to ensure that the best service is provided within the limits of the available budgets.

“This includes the option of revisiting the qualifying distances for free transport.”

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This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 17 Aug 10

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