From September 2026 the Kingston University intersite bus service will no longer be free and students will be charged a flat fare of £1.10 per journey. Despite the university's claim that this charge, which is 65p less than the TFL charge, will enable them to "invest in" and "improve" the service to "benefit students", myself and many other students wholeheartedly disagree. 

We are living in a cost of living crisis and students are facing huge financial pressure and anxiety. Rent, bills, food shops, study related costs, student loan management, and funding an enjoyable social life/university experience feels impossible. The university's own newspaper, The River, ran an insightful story only a few months ago about students turning to sex work amid financial pressures. Read the article here: https://riveronline.co.uk/over-half-of-kingston-university-students-have-considered-sex-work/

The free intersite bus services not only allows students to attend essential lectures, meetings, and study sessions, but also to travel to work, social events, or KU sports and society events without worrying about the cost. Free and accessible travel from distant University Halls to campus in the heart of Kingston or to the remote Kingston Hill site has had a hugely positive impact on many students and is being taken from us suddenly with seemingly no consultation or care for student opinion. 

KEEP OUR BUS SERVICES FREE!!!

If you are a current KU student you can also take action by contacting the university via email to voice your objection. Email: studentcomplaints@kingston.ac.uk 

"I am going back to live in KU Halls next academic year and a big factor in this decision was the free buses as the service was regular enough, convenient, and crucially free. I am really disappointed and angered by this change as the free service allowed me to travel to lectures easily and not have to worry about the cost, especially in the cold winter months when the walk would be unpleasant. I have struggled with my mental health and knowing a free and fast bus service was available to me really helped me to get out and engage in life when the long walk to campus/Kingston felt too much for me. It definitely had a hugely positive impact on my life, and I feel sad to know it will not be available for future students"

- Anonymous Student

Image Source: https://www.kingston.ac.uk/about/how-to-find-kingston-university/intersite-bus-service