Monmouthshire Council Retains School Transport Policy Despite 300 Pass Losses

Monmouthshire County Council will remove free bus passes from approximately 300 children starting September 2025 as it aligns its home-to-school transport policy with Welsh Government guidelines. The updated policy offers free travel only to secondary pupils living three miles or more from their school and primary pupils living two miles or more, compared to the previous, more generous distances of 1.5 miles for primary pupils and two miles for secondary pupils. The council cited rising demand and operator costs, along with sustained public service underfunding and significant budget pressures, as reasons for this change. Despite this adjustment, the council has protected funding for schools by redirecting saved funds to educational support. No further changes are planned for the 2026/27 policy year as the Welsh Government reviews its guidance on learner travel, and parents will be informed that no changes will occur. Safety assessments for walking routes under the qualifying distances will continue, ensuring compliance with national safety criteria.