Free school bus axed as country route deemed 'safe'

Free school buses are being axed after a cross-country route was judged safe by Surrey County Council.

Parents say a letter outlining the new walkable route to Esher High School explicitly states that the "personal safety issues of children travelling alone" was not a consideration by the council.

Plamena Naydenova, one of the parents to receive the letter, said: "How can you call an 83-minute walk through dark heaths and unlit river paths a safe route?"

The council said the move would save about £180,000 per year and create space on "stretched coach resources to provide travel assistance to those eligible".

Children who live more than three miles from their nearest school are eligible for free buses. The new route across the heath brings the distance down to just under that mark, meaning this group no longer qualifies for the service.

Mrs Naydenova added: "It's just honestly outrageous, the whole thing. It isn't about one child, it's a principle. It will affect many families, not just my two children. I walked it with my sister as I was afraid to walk it on my own."

About 81 children are said to be affected. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands parents are appealing the decision.

The council has stated further funding to increase capacity on regular bus services was not available, said the LDRS.

Councillor Clare Curran, cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, said the route had been established following "individual safe walking route assessments" which were applied in line with national guidelines.

The Department for Education's own school transport guidance also supports this position.

Travel assistance will run until the end of the school year. From September 2025 children will need to find alternative routes pending any change.

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.