Labour MP launches petition to reform school bus fares
Poole’s campaigning MP, Neil Duncan-Jordan, has started a petition calling for significant reforms to school bus fares policies in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area. The petition, titled ‘School Bus Fares Are Unfair – Support A Change’, aims to address the financial burdens faced by families by a system that charges school children higher fares than adults – because the national cap on fares does not apply to school designated services.
Many parents of local school children have expressed their concern on the impact of rising bus fares. Currently, bus passes must be paid for in large upfront amounts for the entire school year, rather than allowing for monthly payments. This policy disproportionately impacts low-income families who are already struggling to afford transportation for their children. Education is a fundamental right, and this petition highlights the need for more flexible payment options that take individual circumstances into account, ensuring that all students have a fair opportunity to travel to school. Making fares fairer would also help to reduce congestion and pollution on the roads as many families find themselves forced to drive their children to and from school.
Mr Duncan-Jordan said: “I’ve been contacted by lots of families who tell me how unfair the current system is in relation to their children’s school bus fares. They effectively cost more than a standard journey which just doesn’t make sense. It also seems strange that adults can buy season tickets monthly, but that option isn’t available for school children. I’ve raised this with Morebus and I hope we can find a solution that makes all fares fair.”
The petition outlines the following key recommendations:
1. Aligning school fares with regular bus users: Start charging school children and their families the same fares as ordinary bus users
2. Monthly ticket purchases: Enable the option for families to buy tickets monthly, providing greater flexibility and affordability
3. Flexible ticket use: Allow children to use their tickets outside of school days, promoting greater access to transportation for extracurricular activities and family outings
Residents have been encouraged to support this initiative by signing the petition at https://www.neilforpoole.co.uk/buspetition and provide their suggestions on how they believe MoreBus can better address this issue.