School and College Transport Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What if I want my child to attend a school other than the designated or nearest one?
2. Will transport assistance be given to nursery schools?
3. Will transport assistance be given to independent schools?
4. What if my child doesn't have their pass when boarding the bus?
5. When should application forms be submitted?
6. How will I know if my child is only entitled to free transport assistance until the age of 8?
7. What happens if my child wishes to stay on at school after the age of 16?
8. What happens if a pass is lost or stolen?
9. Can I get a refund?
10. What should I do if I move address?
11. What about transport in bad weather?
12. What type of transport is provided?
13. What about the Application Timetable?

1. What if I want my child to attend a school other than the designated or nearest one?

Transport is not normally provided if parents choose a school that is not the nearest or designated one for the home address. If the pupil is of High School age and from a low income family, free transport assistance is provided to a choice of three schools between 2 and 6 miles.

2. Will transport assistance be given to nursery schools?

Transport is not normally provided for Nursery Education.

3. Will transport assistance be given to independent schools?

Transport is not normally given to independent schools. However a vacant seat may be offered if a contract vehicle route is available.

4. What if my child doesn't have their pass when boarding the bus?

Worcestershire County Council will be operating a "No Pass, No Travel" policy on all contracted education transport services from September 2009 onwards.

It will be the drivers responsibility to check student's bus passes each time they board the vehicle, and the students must ensure they carry their pass at all times. Any students that are found not to be carrying a valid bus pass will be refused access to the vehicle.

For more details visit the No Pass, No Travel page.

5. When should application forms be submitted?

If your child is starting at a new school in September, you should try to submit your application before the end of the Summer Term to ensure that your application can be processed in time for the new school year. Late applications may result in the application not being processed in time for the start of the academic year. Sometimes schools will send application forms on to us, but it is your responsibility to ensure that this happens.

6. How will I know if my child is only entitled to free transport assistance until the age of 8?

When we have assessed your application and checked the distance between your home and the school, we will write and inform you that your child is only entitled to free transport until the end of the academic year in which they become 8 years old. You will be awarded free transport to the nearest suitable establishment between 2 & 3 miles. This entitlement is extended for pupils from low-income families up to the age of 11. Low-income is defined as being in receipt of Free School Meals or Maximum Working Families Tax Credit.

7. What happens if my child wishes to stay on at school after the age of 16?

You must obtain a Post 16 information pack and submit a fresh application ( a fresh application is necessary because Post 16 Transport Policy differs from the policy for under 16s). Passes are no longer valid after 16 years of age so you must ensure that you re-apply.

8. What happens if a pass is lost or stolen?

If a pass is stolen, a free pass can usually be obtained if you report the incident to the police and provide the county council with a valid crime reference number.

If a pass for a contract vehicle is lost we can normally replace this for a charge of £10.00. Cheques should be made payable to Worcestershire County Council and sent to The Education Travel Team, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP.

If a pass becomes unreadable, a replacement will be required. Replacement tickets are available on commercial bus services and rail, however these prices may vary. Please call 01905 765 765 for details on how obtain a replacement ticket. Please note there is normally a limit of one replacement ticket per term.

9. Can I get a refund?

There are no refunds for partly used tickets/passes where the decision not to use transport has been made by the parent. Where a refund is awarded for any other reason, an administration charge of £5.00 will be taken. If the County Council removes a vacant seat arrangement, a pro-rata refund will be made.

No refunds will be made if the transport fails to operate for any reason.

10. What should I do if I move address?

You will need to complete a new application form and send it to us. We will then assess your application as soon as we can. It Is helpful if applications are submitted prior to your move. Contact the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765 765 to obtain an application form. Send completed forms to The Education Travel Team, County Hall, Spetchley Road, Worcester, WR5 2NP.

11. What about transport in bad weather?

We have to be guided by the operator’s opinion as to whether or not it is safe for the transport to operate. It is advisable for parents to listen for information regarding school closures on BBC Hereford & Worcester local radio and seek advice from schools as necessary.

12. What type of transport is provided?

Transport is normally provided on a Contract Vehicle, Public Service Bus or Train Service. In special circumstances, for example if there is no bus service, a mileage allowance may be offered. A mileage allowance is not offered when alternative transport is available.

Transport is only provided at the beginning and end of the normal school/college day. It is not provided at lunchtime, weekends or evenings or for any out of school activities. Pupils/Ssudents are expected to make their own way, up to one mile, to the nearest boarding and alighting points.

13. What about the Application Timetable?

All applications received by the 31st July will be processed in time for passes to be dispatched two weeks prior to commencement of the Autumn Term.

For applications received late or during peak periods you must allow 4 weeks from the date received for your application to be processed.

Standard applications can usually be processed within 2 weeks.

Should you have any further questions, please call the Worcestershire Hub on 01905 765 765

This page was last reviewed 24 May 2013 at 16:39.
The page is next due for review 20 November 2014.