Student bus pass rise plan sparks fears

Plans for a rise in the cost of annual bus passes for students in Shropshire could have an adverse effect on teenagers getting to college, a transport pressure group has warned.

Shropshire Council is planning to increase the amount that students over 16 pay towards the cost of using public transport from the current rate of £330 to £420, with an additional £30 annual administration charge also due to be introduced.

The council says the move is necessary to bring its prices in line with other local authorities, as well as helping it balance the books in light of Government spending cuts.

But the proposals have been criticised by Stephen Morris, the general manager of independent group Bus Users UK.

"It is the massive rise that worries us - suddenly asking parents for an extra £120 a year is bound to have adverse effects on over 16s getting to college, particularly at a time when Education Maintenance Allowance is being phased out," he said.

"It is clear that young people from lower income households across the country are being denied educational opportunities simply because their parents can't afford transport fares, and in largely rural counties like Shropshire, where some journeys are lengthy, this is creating a real poverty trap."

He added that he was also concerned about the council's proposed administration charge, which the local authority says is necessary to deal with the costs of processing applications and ticket productions.

"We would also question why it costs £30 to issue each ticket - that seems to us to be an excessive administration charge," Mr Morris added.

He said a 'whole raft' of public sector funding cuts were making bus services more expensive and 'putting rural services in particular under real threat'.

"When education, health and other public services are being increasingly centralised by local authorities, the same authorities are limiting opportunities and access to essential services to those who most need them," he said.

The council has said the proposed changes should not effect vulnerable groups, including pupils or students with statements of special educational needs and families in receipt of certain benefits.

Plans are out to public consultation until January 31. Comments can be sent to Andy Evans at Passenger Transport, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6ND or e-mailed to andy.evans@shropshire.gov.uk