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We have again taken the difficult decision to continue the suspension of the 2022/23 County Ticket scheme as it is not 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 2022. 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.
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 under the current circumstances. 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.
For sixth form students attending post-16 provision at a Local Authority School or Academy, please refer to the Post-16 Travel Policy 2022/23 for more information.
Bus services to colleges from September 2022
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. If parents or students are car-sharing with someone outside of their support bubble or family, they should share with the same people each time, open the windows for ventilation and wear a face covering, unless they are under 11 or they are exempt.
If students are using public transport, they should continue to follow government guidelines to make sure they can travel safely on the network. They should plan their journey in advance and allow more time to get to their school or college.
In Somerset, we have been working closely with colleges to make sure there is additional network capacity where needed. This includes closing some college bus routes to students only and making sure children and young people do not mix with the general public – which helps limit the number of people they come into contact with. As students are travelling with their peers on these services, the social distancing guidance is relaxed and the full seated capacity of the vehicle can be used, although no standing passengers are allowed.
We have also added duplicate vehicles on certain routes to increase capacity where required. Students will be directed by the driver to the closed college vehicle, however, if this becomes full and students need to board the normal public service vehicle which is open to the public.
Please visit the Department for Transport website for full guidelines.
This Excel document 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.
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.
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.