Parents can apply for a new Young Persons’ Travel Pass for the next academic year from Monday 15 June.
Pass applications must be received by Friday 17 July to guarantee that they are ready for the first day of the new academic year.
Renewals for existing pass holders are not automatic and any parent wanting one will need to apply for it. The best way to make sure that the Young Persons’ Travel Pass is ready for the new school year is by submitting an on line application at:
www.kent.gov.uk/YoungPersonsTravelPass
From September, the cost of the pass will be £250 for a full year. However, to help families spread the price they can split payment in to two half-yearly passes at £125. To further assist parents with the cost, some additional reductions are being offered to low income households and those with more than two children. Further details can be found on line at:
www.kent.gov.uk/YoungPersonsTravelPass
Matthew Balfour, Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said:
“I am relieved that we can continue to offer parents the Young Persons’ Travel Pass and we now want everyone to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
“The pass represents excellent value compared to the cost of normal bus travel and I would urge those applying to do so before Friday 17 July, so that it is ready for start the new school year.”
The cost of the pass has been frozen at £100 for some families on low incomes, and the opportunity will be maintained for those in care, care leavers and young carers to qualify for a free pass. The cost of the Kent 16+ Travel Card has also been frozen at £400 per year.
Notes to Editors:
- The Young Persons’ Travel Pass is entirely discretionary, with KCC receiving no government funding.
- Buying a bus card directly from the operator can cost more than £800 a year – see table below.
- KCC has continued to provide the pass despite significant government cuts that include a reduction in non-ring fenced grants year-on-year by £55million, which is 5.9% of the council’s net budget.
- KCC has to save a total of £209million over the next three years.
- The average cost per pass to Kent’s council taxpayers is currently £588, of which £250 will come from the cost of the pass and £338 from KCC.
Sample ticket prices for school journeys
| Journey | Service | Adult single | Cheapest daily return | YPTP Daily Return Price (based on £250 price and 190 school days)
|
Annual or scholars ticket (provided by the operator)
|
| Goudhurst- Tunbridge Wells
|
297
|
£5.10
|
£7.70
|
£1.32
|
£862.00
|
| Paddock Wood – Tunbridge Wells
|
6
|
£3.80
|
£5.00
|
£1.32
|
N/A
|
| Larkfield – Maidstone
|
72
|
£3.50
|
£5.00
|
£1.32
|
N/A
|
| Loose – Maidstone
|
5
|
£2.20
|
£3.30
|
£1.32
|
£530.00
|
| Old Wives Lees – Simon Langton Girls, Canterbury
|
667
|
£3.65
|
£5.50
|
£1.32
|
£617.00
|
| Whitstable – Canterbury
|
914
|
£4.50
|
£6.20
|
£1.32
|
£720.00
|
| Newington -Bordon Grammar School, Sittingbourne
|
328
|
£2.35
|
£3.60
|
£1.32
|
£397.00
|
| Shorne – Northfleet School for Girls, Gravesend
|
417
|
£3.70
|
£5.50
|
£1.32
|
£625.00
|
| Swanley – Dartford Boys Grammar, Dartford
|
478
|
£3.60
|
£5.40
|
£1.32
|
£608.00
|
| Walmer – Dover Girls Grammar School, Dover
|
80A
|
£4.00
|
£6.10
|
£1.32
|
£420.00
|