§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans she has for the introduction of(a) free school bus travel and (b) school busing. [8422]
§ Mr. TimmsApproximately 800,000 pupils in England receive free transport to and from school every day; that is virtually 100 per cent. take up by those entitled. This is provided by local education authorities either contracting dedicated school buses, or by providing pupils with travel passes that enable them to use scheduled public transport.
Free transport is always necessary for a pupil of compulsory school age who attends the nearest suitable school if it is beyond statutory walking distance. Statutory walking distances are two miles for pupils aged under eight and three miles for those aged eight and over. LEAs may help in other cases if they wish, but it is for each authority to decide whether or not to do so.
These arrangements have been in place for many years and we have no plans to change them.