A petition calling on Essex County Council to make bus travel free for all school-aged children
We, the parents, carers and residents of Essex, are calling on Essex County Council to introduce free bus travel for all school-aged children.

At a time when the cost of living continues to put pressure on families, the cost of getting children to and from school can become a significant financial burden.

For a family with one child, the cost can already add up quickly. For families with two or three children, the expense can become a considerable part of the household budget every week and every month.

Currently, free home-to-school transport in Essex is available only to children who meet specific eligibility criteria. Families who do not qualify may have to pay for their children's transport themselves.

We believe that access to education should not depend on a family's ability to pay for every bus journey.

Education does not stop at the school gates
Our children need opportunities outside the classroom too.

They should be able to travel by bus to libraries, sports clubs, music and dance lessons, tutoring, cinemas, cultural activities and other educational or social activities without parents having to worry about the cost of every journey.

For many families, these costs can mean saying no to opportunities that could benefit their children simply because they cannot afford the transport.

A fairer future for children in Essex
London already provides free bus travel for many children and young people through its existing travel arrangements.

We believe children in Essex should also have the opportunity to travel freely and safely to school and take part in activities in their local communities.

Why should a child's opportunities depend on where they live or how much their parents can afford to spend on bus fares?

We are therefore calling on Essex County Council to consider introducing free bus travel for all school-aged children in Essex.

We are asking for:
🚌 Free bus travel for all school-aged children in Essex.

🎓 Easier access to school and educational opportunities.

⚽ Affordable access to sports, music, clubs and other activities.

🎬 The freedom for children to take part in social and cultural activities without transport costs becoming a barrier.

❤️ Less financial pressure on families during the current cost-of-living challenges.

🌱 Greater independence for children and young people and encouragement to use public transport.

Our message to Essex County Council
We understand that introducing free travel for all school children would require funding and careful planning.

However, investing in children and young people means investing in the future of Essex.

No child should miss out on education, activities, friendships or opportunities simply because their family cannot afford another bus fare.

Every child deserves the same opportunity, regardless of their family's financial situation.

Please support this petition and share it with other parents, families and residents of Essex.

Together, we can ask for a fairer and more accessible transport system for our children. ❤️

Every child. Every journey. Every opportunity