A PARENT whose children use a school bus service to Huntington School in York has hit out at fare increases of more than 100 per cent on a single journey.
David Pennock said his sons, Simon, 16, and Mark, 14, travelled from their home off Stockton Lane to Huntington on the school bus service every morning.
Until now a single fare cost 45p and a return ticket cost 65p - the increase, introduced on Tuesday, means they have to pay a £1.20 flat fare whether they are coming back on the school bus or not.
Mr Pennock called the increase "unbelievable" and said there had been no warning in advance.
He said: "How can increases of 85 per cent and 167 per cent be justified?
"It's more than the increase itself - it's the fact that schools are encouraging kids to stay behind for activities. If they stay behind after school, they can't get the school bus back and have to get a lift back instead, but they still have to pay the £1.20 fare."
Only children who live more than three miles away from the school allocated to their area are entitled to free school transport. School buses are laid on for these children in certain areas and spare places are offered to other students who live along the route who have to pay.
Murray Rose, acting assistant education director, said a flat fare of £1.20 had been brought in on several school bus services serving Huntington and Fulford Schools from the beginning of this term for passengers who were not entitled to free school travel.
He said the fare was still well below the average cost of a seat on the bus, £1.88, and was still subsidised by the council.
Alternatively families could apply to the council's planning transport unit for an annual travel pass which cost £180 and could be paid for termly or by direct debit and this worked out at 95 pence a day.
He said the change had been made so families could make more of a contribution to the cost of a seat.
"They are not paying the full rate. Even though it's gone up, passengers are still paying a reduced rate," he said.
Updated: 10:04 Saturday, September 22, 2001
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article