What are my options if my child is no longer eligible for the school bus?

Active Travel (walking or wheeling to school)

The most obvious benefits of travelling actively are physical health and mental wellbeing. Physical activity can increase mental alertness, energy, positive mood, and self-esteem, as well as reducing stress and anxiety, according to the Mental Health Foundation.

Other benefits of children travelling actively includes:

• Improves road safety skills.
• Promotes independence and resilience.
• Opportunities for increased social connection with friends and family.

We will provide details of acceptable walking routes for our schools to all parents where these have been assessed.

Using public transport

We will provide support with the application process for free Under 22 travel. The Young Persons’ Free Bus Travel Scheme allows 5-21-year-olds living in Scotland to benefit from free bus travel. Please visit Young Persons' free bus travel for further information and how to apply.

Using a private vehicle

While this is not our preferred option and will bring additional traffic and increased carbon emissions around our schools, we recognise that some families with access to a vehicle may wish to use this either occasionally or as a longer-term option.

However, we would encourage drivers, where practical, to park and stride or ride share. Traffic management and safety will be monitored around schools and all steps taken to discourage inconsiderate or dangerous parking.

How is the distance to school calculated?

In preparation for these changes, we have carried out extensive exercises to determine each child’s eligibility using the latest technological GIS mapping tool. This specialist tool is used across the country and is far more accurate than standard walking or mapping applications.

How does the council know the walking route is safe?

In all cases, it remains the responsibility of each parent/carer to ensure that their child gets to school safely and on time. We will work to support parents with this responsibility. This includes providing acceptable walking routes for those who can.

These walking routes have been assessed by transport specialists using the same criteria adopted by most other councils. This includes looking at:

• Risk from road vehicles.
• Physical condition of the route including footpaths.
• Road and carriageway width.
• Traffic volume at key times.
• Visibility timing and crossing times.
• Traffic calming and road crossing facilities.