The escalating cost of dedicated school bus services is driving families to the brink of financial ruin. While standard public bus routes in the UK are subject to national fare caps, dedicated school-only transport services are shockingly exempt from this regulation. This oversight in policy has led to rampant price hikes by private operators, leaving families burdened with exorbitant fees.

Imagine paying nearly £1,500 per child annually just to ensure their safe passage to and from school—a distance that might be nothing more than a few miles.
For many families in Essex and other parts of the country, this is their grim reality. With the cost of living steadily rising, these unregulated fees have become an unbearable strain on household budgets.

It's not just about the money—it’s about fairness and equal opportunity. Countless families are forced to make choices between essential goods, extracurricular activities, and their children’s transport due to these high costs. In today's world, education should be a right—not a privilege accessible only to those who can afford the commute.

We call on the Government to intervene by implementing an absolute, mandatory fare cap on all school bus services within county boundaries. Such a cap must be universally enforced, ensuring no commercial operator or council-contracted provider can opt out, exploit loopholes, or charge families above the set maximum.

By establishing a local fare cap, the council can relieve financial pressure on families, improve access to education, and promote equality. Let us support families and build a future where every child has a fair chance at education without their families being financially penalised.

Stand with all families in this urgent need for change. Please sign this petition and help us bring about a fair and equitable school transport system.