Charges for Peterborough sixth formers to use council-provided transport increased

Peterborough City Council has raised the price for an annual pass from £460 to £530 for Post-16 students entitled to transport assistance.

Discretionary seats have also gone up from £87.50 per half term to £100.

Discretionary seats are for Post-16 students who are not entitled to transport assistance but want to purchase a spare seat on transport contracted by the council.

The seats are available on a first come, first serve basis and are not available to be used on public transport.

The arrangements for discretionary seats can be only be agreed on a half-termly basis.

Students aged between 16 and 19 are eligible for assistance with transport under several criteria, including the distance they are from the education centre they are studying at.

Post-16 students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) may also be eligible for support.

Explaining why the prices for discretionary seats have increased, the city council pointed out that the equivalent cost at Cambridgeshire County Council is £120 per half term.

Buses are the main form of transport provided by the council but some students, particularly in rural areas, use taxis.

A council spokesperson said applications for the service will open shortly.

Further information can be found at: https://www.peterborough.gov.uk/residents/schools-and-education/school-transport.