My daughter started secondary school last year, and I was absolutely shocked to find out that I need to pay £590 for a term-time only bus pass. It’s quite a hefty amount, isn’t it? As a parent, I want the best for my child, but these costs are an overwhelming burden that I'm sure many other families in Kent are also struggling to bear.

Education is a fundamental right, and access to it shouldn't depend on a family’s ability to pay exorbitant transport fees. The extra financial stress of a £590 bus pass, on top of other educational expenses, limits opportunities for our children and places unnecessary pressure on families.

According to stats from the National Education Union, the cost of travel is a significant barrier in accessing education for thousands of UK students. In a region like Kent, where public transport is essential for students who live farther from schools, the impact is even more pronounced.

To alleviate this burden, we propose that Kent County Council introduce a free or heavily subsidised school bus service for all students. This will not only promote equal educational opportunities for every child, regardless of their family's financial situation, but it also supports the wider community by easing traffic congestion and reducing carbon emissions associated with individual car journeys.

Many cities and regions across the UK have set a precedent by offering free or reduced-cost travel for students. It’s time for Kent to step up and make education more accessible for all by easing the financial burden on families. Supporting free school transport is a sustainable choice for a brighter, more inclusive future for our children.

Sign this petition to urge Kent County Council to abolish school bus pass fees and ensure equal access to education for all students in our community.