Here you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions we receive on school transport.
How do pupils know if they qualify for free school transport?
Generally pupils are entitled to free school transport if they attend the nearest or catchment area school to their home address. For primary schools, you must live over two miles and for secondary schools over three miles from the school. This is measured by the nearest available route (shortest walking distance). Complete guides on school and college transport are available by following the 'Applying for transport assistance' link on this page.
How do pupils apply for free school transport?
Application forms (TRAN/1) are available from the school the pupil will be attending or alternatively follow the 'Applying for transport assistance' link on this page for either a copy of the guidance notes and form, or to access the relevant online form. Alternatively, parents may contact Shropshire Council's Customer Service Centre on 0345 678 9006 in order to make an application over the telephone.
Does my child qualify for parents income assessed transport?
Generally your child will be entitled to free school transport if they are of Secondary School Age (11-16, school year 7 to 11) and you are either:
- entitled to free school meals or
- receiving the maximum level of Working Tax Credit and can provide a copy of the latest Tax Credit award notice (form TC602) or a recent letter from the Benefits Agency confirming receipt of maximum Working Tax Credit.
Your child will have an additional entitlement to transport to:
- one of the three nearest qualifying schools where parents live more than two miles but no more than 6 miles from the school.
For full details follow the 'Applying for transport assistance' link then the free school transport publication.
What do pupils do with completed TRAN/1 application forms for free school transport?
Please send the completed application form to the school your son or daughter will be attending, who will then sign it and forward it to the Entitlement Team at the Council. We will inform you of the outcome as quickly as possible and generally within two weeks.
If your application is being made in the spring or summer prior to the pupil starting school in September, processing may take longer than two weeks. If you have not heard anything by the end of July you should contact the Entitlement Team on 01743 252472.
If any of the details given on an application form change who needs to be notified?
You must notify the Entitlement Team as soon as possible either by phoning 01743 252472 or by email to the 'Contact' link on this page.
Is there safety information issued to the pupils who use school transport?
Yes, a downloadable leaflet has been developed containing helpful information for parents and pupils. To access this publication please follow the 'Applying for transport assistance' link on this page then download the 'your child's safety guidance and leaflet'.
If a pupil attends after-school activities on certain days of the week can they still use the bus to get home?
No - the bus pass is normally issued to enable the pupil to travel into school at the beginning of the school day and to travel home at the end of the official school day.
Will my child receive door-to-door transport?
Existing transport networks already provide buses or cars from near most homes. The pick up point will be within a reasonable distance of the home. Door-to-door transport is not normally provided.
What happens if my child loses their bus/rail pass?
If your child loses their bus/rail pass a replacement pass can be obtained by telephoning Shropshire Council's Customer Service Centre on 0345 678 9006. Please note there is a charge for pupils attending secondary schools and post 16 colleges.
If a pupil is unable to walk due to injury how do they get to school?
Please contact the Entitlement Team on 01743 252472, who will be happy to see if any help can be offered.
How do pupils find out if they are entitled to post-16 transport assistance to college?
Application forms (TRAN/16) are available from the school or college, or alternatively follow the 'Applying for transport assistance' link on this page then downloading the 'post 16 transport guidance notes and form 2011 12', or to access the relevant online form.
How do I obtain transport if my child has special needs?
You will need to contact Inclusion Services who are part of the Learning & Skills Group. They will then decide whether you are eligible for transport under their criteria. Further information is available by following the 'Applying for transport assistance' link on this page and then follow the 'inclusion services' link.
Am I able to choose the transport operator?
Transport can only be provided by operators who are on the Council's approved European Framework list, each contract is awarded following a competitive tendering exercise.
What do I do if I have concerns about the transport provided?
Do not hesitate to contact Passenger Transport Services either by letter or email, details via the 'Contact' link on this page; or by telephone 01743 253045/6.