Transport for young people aged 16 to 18 is different from transport for school-age children. The law does not require councils to provide free transport for all young people over 16. Instead, councils must publish a Post-16 Transport Policy each year explaining what support may be available and provide transport assistance where they consider it necessary to help eligible young people access education or training.
We are proposing changes to Post-16 travel support and would like to hear your views.
The changes would apply from September 2027 and affect all young people aged 16 and over who need travel support, including those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs).
Why are we proposing these changes?
The council is not legally required to provide transport for young people over 16, but it must consider the needs of those who cannot access education or training without support.
We are proposing to:
- Replace council-arranged transport (such as taxis and minibuses) with a Personal Travel Budget (PTB) as the standard offer for eligible 16 to 18-year-olds who cannot travel independently.
- End the current financial contribution towards Post-16 transport for all families, including low-income families.
- Introduce these changes from September 2027, in line with the requirement to reapply for transport support each academic year.
- Calculate PTBs using an increased mileage rate of 55p per mile, based on two return journeys per day between home and school or college.
- Develop a travel training programme to help young people prepare for adulthood and employment.
