Frequently Asked Questions

Transport for Students Aged 16-19

My child is attending a sixth form or college, are they entitled to assistance with transport?

From September 2012, there will be a change to the level of assisted transport provided for post 16 students. A reduced devolved grant will be offered to all School Sixth  Forms and Further Education Colleges on an annual basis specifically to support the transport needs of Cheshire East students. This policy change will have an impact on all students – whether current recipients of transport support or future applicants.

The Council will no longer arrange or manage the transport provision for post 16 students from September 2012. It will be for individual Sixth Forms and Colleges to determine what level of support will be made available for students.  You should speak directly to your School or College to enquire about how they may be able to help you.  The Council will review the level of funding available to Schools / Colleges on an annual basis.

How can I find out about commercial bus services on which, a daily fare can be paid?

For further information please view our Public Transport Homepage or telephone the Cheshire Traveline on 0871 200 22 33 open 7 days a week 8am to 8pm.

Cheshire Traveline can now accept calls using the Text Relay system. For more information visit the Text Relay website or call 18001 0871 200 22 33.

You can also plan your journey using the Transport Direct journey planner.

 any payments made, irrespective of the number of days a student may or may not have travelled.  We would advise you to return unwanted passes by recorded delivery as we are not able to refund any payments unless we receive the pass.

Can I apply for a spare seat on the school bus?

There is no obligation for the Council to arrange travel for pupils who are not entitled under the Home to School Transport Policy.  However, consideration can be given to the sale of surplus capacity seats on school transport routes in order to offer a service to families who may wish to make use of this scheme.  Spare Seats can only be offered on routes with spare capacity (after eligible pupils have been allocated) and where there are no other public transport services on which your child could pay a daily / termly fare.

If your child is attending a school sixth form (spare seats are not available to colleges) and you wish for them to be considered for a spare seat, you can make an online school transport application  or call us on 0300 123 5012.  We will then add your child to the waiting list and if there are spare seats available on the route, we will write to you to request payment.

Spare Seats are prioritised into 3 categories:

• Category 1 is reserved for pupils allocated a spare seat in the previous academic year (this category is given first priority)
• Category 2 is for Cheshire East resident pupils who are applying for a spare seat for the first time
• Category 3 is for non-Cheshire East resident pupils (this category is given a lower priority)

Charges made are per child / per year.  Payment can be made termly or half-termly and renewal letters will be sent to you, to remind you when your next payment is due.  Payment can be made either online at School Transport Online Payments or by calling us on 0300 1235012.  Please note that pupils will not be permitted to travel unless they are in possession of a valid bus pass.

All charges are subject to change and are reviewed annually.  The spare seat charge for 2012/2013 is £972.

How is poor behaviour managed on sixth form / college buses?

Cheshire East Transport works closely with schools and operators to encourage a good standard of behaviour and respect from students.  Any bad behaviour or rule-breaking on the journey to and from school will be treated seriously and could result in a temporary or permanent ban from travelling.  Smoking is illegal in public places and this includes all school, local bus and rail services.  Any students found to be smoking will receive an immediate transport ban.

Can I apply for special needs transport?

For further information please contact the Assessment and Monitoring Team by calling 01625 378042.

Can I appeal for transport?

As the Council will not have a Post 16 Transport Policy from September 2012, any complaints or appeals for support should be directed to the individual school or college.

In certain circumstances, parents, carers and students may appeal against the decision of the local authority in relation to transport for Post 16 students who are subject to a 139A Learning Difficulty Assessment.  Appeals should be lodged through the Cheshire East Transport Service in line with the published Appeals Procedure (MS Word, 69KB) 

Who can I contact if there are problems with the bus service, or I have a complaint?

Cheshire East Transport is committed to providing a high level of service.  However, there may be times when you/your child experience problems with the bus or rail service allocated.  In the event of a problem arising or if you have any concerns, you can report them to us by emailing schooltransportenquiries@cheshireeast.gov.uk or by calling us on 0300 123 5012. We will then investigate the problem and take appropriate action.

If you have a complaint or are dissatisfied in the way you have been treated by a member of staff, please write directly to the Head of Service, Cheshire East Transport, Floor 6 c/o Municipal Buildings, Earle Street, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2LL.  Any complaints will be investigated and a response will be sent to you within 10 working days.

Contact Details

For all sixth form/college transport enquiries, you can contact us as at:

Transport Manager
Cheshire East Transport
Floor 6 c/o Municipal Buildings
Earle Street
Crewe
CW1 2BJ
  
Telephone: 0300 123 5012

Email: schooltransportenquiries@cheshireeast.gov.uk