If your child is assessed and doesn’t meet criteria for free transport, we have no statutory duty to provide travel assistance.

Spare Seats Scheme

In some cases the Spare Seats Scheme (previously called Privilege Pass Scheme) may be an option for you. The scheme offers the opportunity to purchase a pass to travel on certain school bus services contracted by us, if there are spare seats available.

The Spare Seats Scheme, is operated where the Council has “spare” seats on contracted routes that accommodate entitled students. Numbers of spaces are usually very limited and issued where the Council deems it appropriate, on a first come, first served termly basis, once entitled passengers have been allocated and the route is operating effectively.  

Applications for the Spare Seats Scheme for the Autumn 2022 term are now open.

To apply for this scheme - please download and complete the application form below and return it to the address on the form. It will then be placed in the holding queue for spare spaces.

• Spare Seats Scheme application form (PDF)

More information about the scheme and the rates charged, is available by contacting Transport Operations. Email mainstream.transport@bedford.gov.uk.

Criteria

• Spare seats on our bus services are very limited and cannot be guaranteed. You should not rely on the Spare Seats Scheme as the only way to transport your child to school.
• Additional transport will not be provided to accommodate non-eligible children, neither will existing transport be diverted to service a non-eligible area.
• Additional vehicle stops will not be added to existing school routes to service non-eligible children. Spare Seats pass holders will be expected to make their way to and from the existing boarding/departing designated stops.
• The Spare Seats passes cannot be used on public transport routes or train services.
• We are not able to offer Spare Seat passes for part time attendance. There will be no reduction in cost to accommodate travel on occasional days

16 to 19 Bursary Fund

The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help students overcome specific barriers to participation so they can remain in education.

There are two types of 16 to 19 bursaries:

• A vulnerable bursary of up to £1,200 a year for young people in one of the defined vulnerable groups.
• Discretionary bursaries which institutions award to meet individual needs, for example, help with the cost of transport, meals, books and equipment.

Institutions are responsible for managing both types of bursary. Students who want to apply for support from the bursary fund should contact their chosen institution to make an application.

• See further information about the bursary at GOV.UK

Concessionary travel scheme

Children and young people with certain disabilities may be entitled to a free bus pass through the Concessionary Travel Scheme.  The pass allows free off-peak travel on most local bus services anywhere in England. Bedford Borough pass holders can also travel for a fare of £1 on most peak-time bus services within the Borough.

Visit our bus pass page for further information on how to apply.

SEND advice

The SEND Advice Service (formerly Parent Partnership Service) offers free confidential information, advice and support on Special Educational Needs and Disabilities to young people and parent(s)/carer(s).

Bedford Borough SEND Advice Service
Borough Hall
Cauldwell Street 
Bedford 
MK42 9AP

Email: sendadvice@bedford.gov.uk
Web:  SEND advice web pages

Visit GOV.UK for further information on free school transport.  

Visit our school admissions pages for further information.