Paying for school transport

To use school transport on a paying basis, we will send you a pay agreement to complete, which outlines the terms that transport is provided on and you will be told the cost. We subsidise the charges but they do increase every September.

You can pay for transport annually, or the cost can be spread over instalments. You can also pay by monthly direct debit. We ask for payment in advance. Please be aware, as part of the pay seat application, if you choose to pay by the direct debit option you will be consenting to Somerset Council carrying out a full credit check with an independent credit reference agency, which will be recorded, and subject to the result we reserve the right to withdraw this option.

If your child stops travelling during the year, please tell us in writing immediately and you will be refunded any money we owe you.

Once we have received your completed pay agreement and your payment or direct debit mandate, we will make the transport arrangements and tell you the details.

We will reduce the charge if your child has not used the transport for 10 consecutive days because of ill health, but not for holiday absences or non-attendance. To qualify for this reduction, you must tell us about your child’s absence and we will confirm it with the school.

We cannot refund any costs if the vehicle cannot run for reasons beyond our control, such as adverse weather conditions.

If we fail to receive your payment for school transport the transport will stop being provided immediately. Any debts incurred will be passed to our solicitor for retrieval.

Bus passes

Passes will be issued within 6 weeks of the start of the academic year. Passes will be delivered to the school who will distribute them to all new pupils. Until all passes are delivered all operators have been instructed not to refuse travel. The pass will expire at the end of the pupil’s time at the school and should be retained for travel in future academic years. Passes should be carried at all times, even if the driver does not check them daily, because spot checks will be carried out.

If your child’s bus pass is lost or stolen, please see our ‘Request a replacement bus pass’ information.

Last reviewed: September 1, 2023 by William

Next review due: March 1, 2024

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