School bus pass costs to increase by up to 12.5%

The cost of school bus passes is to rise in Kent with low income families hit by a hike of more than 12%.

A subsidised ticket will go from £120 to £135 (up 12.5%) in 2025-26, while the full rate jumps by 5.5% from £550 to £580, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The Kent Travel Saver (KTS), which is run by Kent County Council (KCC), has seen the full price rise from £450 to £580 in three years.

The new prices have been criticised by parents and opposition councillors, but the ruling Conservatives said the increases have been kept lower by funding from the government's Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

Environment and transport cabinet committee member, councillor Harry Rayner told a meeting on 25 February he estimated the full cost of a KTS pass on some routes could range from £1,200 to £1,600 without the council's subsidy.

He said: "For some students not using a KTS, a return would cost £6 per day, compared to £3.05 if a KTS is used."

But Green Party committee colleague Mark Hood said: "What worries me is that when (BSIP) doesn't happen… the cost is going to be astronomical."

Karen Settle, 40, of Wateringbury, will have two children at school in Tonbridge in September.

Mrs Settle's annual KTS cost will more than double with the increases, to £1,160.

"That's a lot amount of money for any family," she said.

She added: "I want the girls to get the bus – it's part of growing up and building independence. Now I am looking at £100 a month for them to get to school.

The committee voted through the increases by five votes to one.

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