My family, like many others in Plymouth, is struggling with the current cost of school travel, which has skyrocketed to £6 per day, £24 a week and £94 a month for numerous students. This burden is not just a financial strain—it's a barrier to equitable education access for our community's children. These rising costs of living make it nearly impossible for families like mine to make ends meet, let alone afford the basic need of getting our children to school.

Education should be accessible to all, regardless of a family's income level. No child's right to education should come with a price tag that their parents cannot afford. That is why we are urgently calling on the Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Citybus to revisit their school transport policies and implement changes that alleviate these financial pressures on local families.

A reduction in fare prices, subsidies for low-income families, or the introduction of a more affordable travel pass could make a significant difference. Other areas have found success with similar measures, and it's time for Plymouth to do the same. For example, in Manchester, reduced fare schemes have eased the financial burden and improved access to education for many families.

The children of Plymouth deserve equal educational opportunities, regardless of their socioeconomic background. By addressing the exorbitant costs of school transportation, we can take a crucial step toward supporting the educational needs and rights of every child in our community.

Please sign this petition to demand that the Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Citybus take the necessary action to make school travel affordable for all families in our city. Your support can help ensure that our children receive the education they deserve without the added financial worry.