Student travel fares increased by Nottinghamshire County Council

Amendments to the Post-16 Transport Policy were approved at a meeting of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Policy Committee.

The Half Fare Pass entitles students to travel at half the adult fare and this will be the first increase in more than 15 years.

Amendments have also been approved to the Travel Grant which supports post 16 students who have either no access to public transport or whose course is offered at their nearest college/school which may be outside the Nottinghamshire border.

From September 2014 the policy will be changed to restrict their assistance to a maximum of 25 miles travelling distance and 75 minutes travelling time.

Coun John Peck, Children and Young People’s committee chairman, said: “The £21 increase is the first increase to the Post 16 policy in more than 15 years and we have consulted widely about the changes.

“We felt the increase was necessary in light of the rising cost of providing the service and in view of the unprecedented budget savings we face as a council.”

In recent years there have been fewer students taking up the county council’s travel assistance as students can opt for offers directly from other main transport operators who offer competitive rates and greater flexibility on travelling times.