A Mum near Chester criticizes the free school transport policy, citing unfairness, stress, and missed opportunities.
The council offers a bus that goes to the school from parts of Oakmere. Sadly, Molly’s address means no free bus pass even though they live in the school’s area.
Ali could pay £880 each year for a bus seat. However, another child who qualifies for free busing could take Molly’s spot. This would put them back where they started.
They live on the Shakerley Close estate. Kids there don’t get a bus pass, and the same thing happens on the Earlsbrook estate. However, those on Station Road get passes, which Ali thinks is odd.
Molly went to Delamere Academy for primary school. This school sends kids to Tarporley, so it was a logical choice for them.
Weaverham High is closer, just 0.2 miles more. Molly would get a free bus pass there, but they don’t live in Weaverham’s zone. Also, her primary school does not feed into Weaverham.
Molly often has to wait after school. This is because Ali has to pick up her younger child first. Ali also passed up a promotion because the extra work hours would clash with school runs, which she finds frustrating.
Ali thinks the council ignores their situation and feels they don’t care. According to Ali, kids in the school area should get bus passes. She often drives behind an empty bus that could carry Molly.
Ali believes this issue began some time ago. The council used to offer buses to any school, but they could not afford it. Now they offer it to the nearest school only, excluding some people like Ali.
It is important for kids to get to school alone to support growing independence. Molly sees her friends on the bus, but she then sits alone to wait for her mom. She and her mom find all this stressful.
They appealed the decision but lost. Ali says there were six empty bus seats, but they still could not get a bus pass.
The council members disagree on the policy. Ted Lush, the local councilor, wants changes. He admits the council sometimes makes mistakes and feels the current policy is unfair.
He says the council introduced the policy when academies began allowing parents to send kids anywhere. Free transport in that environment would cost the council much more, and he knows this causes stress for parents. He therefore supports a more flexible plan.
The council relates that they use distance, not school zones. This free bus rule started back in 2015. They say a public vote led to this decision.
The council also relates that their policy is consistent and fair. They lack more government money. They provide free travel when required by law and look at eligibility each year. They also consider exceptional cases through appeals. Occasionally seats may be available, but this is not guaranteed.
