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We have continued the suspension of the 2023 County Ticket scheme for 2023/24 as it is no longer seen as a cost-effective option for students this year.

Ticketing technology has advanced, with more options for contactless payments and tickets through an App available on college services from Autumn 2023. Operators have introduced more ticket options, which are more flexible and cost-effective, to meet the needs of students. These can be purchased on and off the bus. There is also the government £2 fare scheme currently in place.

For students who need to use public transport from September, purchasing tickets directly from the bus operator would be the most flexible and cost-effective option. Bus operators will continue to offer discounted student tickets and for further information, please refer to our Post-16 Transport Policy.

For students attending a sixth form school and wishing to travel on a contracted school bus for the next academic year, there is the option of applying for a paid seat on the contracted school bus, where there is space available.

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It is important to note that there is no guarantee of seat availability. This can only be accommodated where there is sufficient capacity within Public Service Vehicle Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) 2020.

For sixth form students attending post-16 provision at a Local Authority School or Academy, please refer to the Post-16 Travel Policy 2023/24 for more information.

Bus services to colleges from September 2023

The Government is working to make sure transport is not a barrier to people accessing education establishments from September. As part of this work, local authorities have been awarded over £40m to make sure college and school students can travel safely.

There are many ways students can travel to places of education. First, we encourage all students to walk, cycle or scoot to college if they can and if they live a short distance (2 miles or less) from their further education college or school. This will help to reduce pressure on the public transport network for the people who need it most.

If students aren’t able to walk, cycle or scoot, they can use public transport or drive to get to their school or college.

The Excel document below gives details of the bus routes for each college. Please use the tabs at the bottom of the document to find your college’s information.

Document preview
Bus routes for each college

XLS, 300 KB

Transport ticket options

All bus operators offer a range of daily tickets and most can offer types of season tickets at a discounted rate we have included some information in the Post 16 Travel Policy 2022/23 academic year.

Document preview
Post 16 Travel Policy 2023/24 academic year

PDF, 228 KB

We strongly advise you to check your options with the various bus operators to ensure you are aware of the most appropriate ticket for your individual needs. Please be aware that Somerset Council has no control or responsibility over the amount commercial operators charge for their own tickets. They also have the right to vary their ticket prices as and when they feel it is commercially necessary.

Bursary Funding

You may be entitled to claim funding from the 16-19 Bursary Fund. please use this link or contact your chosen 16+ establishment for more information.

This fund is administrated by the Education and Training providers and Somerset Council has no involvement with eligibility or payments.

Last reviewed: February 21, 2024 by Helly

Next review due: August 21, 2024

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