Future Of Post-16 Transport Consultation Launched

A consultation encouraging users of Post-16 education transport in Wrexham has been launched – with the future of the service under threat.

Parents and students aged 16 – 18 who use subsidised transport to get to school or sixth form are encouraged to take part in the online consultation regarding the future of the service.

In June 2013 members of the Executive Board voted in favour of putting the future of Post-16 education transport out to consultation as part of the ongoing bid to make savings of up to £45 million.

Currently Wrexham Council organises and pays for transport for students aged 16 to 18 attending colleges (such as Coleg Cambria) as well as those attending sixth forms at secondary schools (such as The Maelor School Penley, Ysgol Rhiwabon and Ysgol Morgan Llwyd). Transport is provided for those who live more than three miles away from their school or college.

At present the Council spends around £400,000 annually on transport for Post-16 learners, providing services for students who study at Coleg Cambria (Wrexham and Deeside) and the Llysfasi campus near Ruthin.

There are four proposals put forward in the consultation, which includes limiting free transport to institutions within the Wrexham County Borough (with limited exceptions), introduce set charges for transport either within or outside of the county; give funding to Colleges to organise transport to their institutions and completely withdraw funding for Post 16 Transport.

The consultation then goes onto ask for thoughts / opinions on the impact changes to Post-16 transport would have and opinions on the proposals. Participants are then invited to provide details on why they have selected their preferred option / suggest alternative options for consideration.

The full Post-16 consultation can be found on the Council website here. The closing date for all entries is February 13th 2015.