Cutting pupils’ bus travel sparks revolt

15 October 2008

Possible cuts in school buses suggested by Doncaster council have triggered a storm of protest from teachers and parents across the borough.

The authority says dropping free transport to faith schools and abolishing free passes for all post-16 students will save the council £600,000. But teachers and parents, who were given the chance to address a special meeting of the council’s scrutiny panel, say more cars will be on the road if cuts are made, and present funding runs out, when the new educational diploma comes in, which will see more movement of students between centres.

Dr Paul Gray, interim director of children’s services, told Surveyor no decision had been made. He said: ‘We have engaged in one of the largest consultation exercises, having invited about 4,500 parties to comment on the proposals, and are in the process of considering their responses.’

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