Rules relaxed on school buses
Fewer school buses could be passing by school children walking to school across Carmarthenshire because of a relaxing of rules.
But parents have to act quickly. Applications for the spare seats have to be returned to Carmarthenshire County Council by October 15.
The opportunity arises limited number of spare seats are being made available on dedicated home to school transport vehicles for pupils who do not currently meet National Assembly eligibility criteria set out on the authority’s home to school transport.
Spare seats will be made available to children of statutory school age, who live within the catchment area of the school, live within the three-mile walking distance but over one mile from the school.
There must be seats available on the bus serving an existing route so no additional mileage can be incurred. Spare seats will not be available on routes where there are already school buses available for children to travel upon payment of fare. No extra buses are being laid on.
County executive board member for transport services Cllr Philip Hughes said: “This is a sensible solution to fill seats where they are available on school buses for pupils who would not otherwise meet the criteria which is set at a national level.
“There has been criticism at the start of every new school year when parents have found that their children fall inside statutory three-mile walking distance from school that disqualifies eligibility for bus passes.”
To secure what seats that are available parents should complete a special application form which is available from all schools included in the scheme or from the transport department 01267-228326 as soon as possible. Completed forms must be returned before the closing date of October 15, 2010.
But parents have to act quickly. Applications for the spare seats have to be returned to Carmarthenshire County Council by October 15.
The opportunity arises limited number of spare seats are being made available on dedicated home to school transport vehicles for pupils who do not currently meet National Assembly eligibility criteria set out on the authority’s home to school transport.
Spare seats will be made available to children of statutory school age, who live within the catchment area of the school, live within the three-mile walking distance but over one mile from the school.
There must be seats available on the bus serving an existing route so no additional mileage can be incurred. Spare seats will not be available on routes where there are already school buses available for children to travel upon payment of fare. No extra buses are being laid on.
County executive board member for transport services Cllr Philip Hughes said: “This is a sensible solution to fill seats where they are available on school buses for pupils who would not otherwise meet the criteria which is set at a national level.
“There has been criticism at the start of every new school year when parents have found that their children fall inside statutory three-mile walking distance from school that disqualifies eligibility for bus passes.”
To secure what seats that are available parents should complete a special application form which is available from all schools included in the scheme or from the transport department 01267-228326 as soon as possible. Completed forms must be returned before the closing date of October 15, 2010.
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