In mid-May, Transport for London announced that may be introducing a temporary removal of free travel on buses and trams to schools for 11 to 17-year-olds in full time education.
This is most likely to be introduced following October half term, so travel would still be free on the return to school in September until Monday 2 November. Much of the detail is still unknown, and the situation could change, so this is the best information we have right now.
This does not impact on our statutory transport obligations.
Schools will work with Transport for London to check eligibility for discretionary free travel.
Transport for London estimate that 30 per cent of children would remain eligible for free travel, which would include the following:
- Children aged ten and under
- Children aged 11 to 17 who live more than two miles from their school/college
- Children aged 11 to 17 who live less than two miles away from their school/college if they:
- have a social worker
- have an Education, Health and Care Plan
- are in alternative provision (i.e. educated in a pupil referral unit, or an alternative provision academy/free school)
- do not have a safe walking route
- cannot walk due to a medical condition or lack of mobility
For everyone else, using an 11 to 15 and 16+ Zip card, they will be charged half of an adult fare on buses (£0.75).
Children turning 11-years-old should retain free travel until they finish primary school and eligible pupils turning 18-years-old should retain free travel until they finish school that year.