🚍 Big Changes Needed for School Transport in Wales? 🚍
Over 11,000 voices are shouting loud and clear for a review of Welsh school transport rules! 🎒✏️ A petition has hit the Senedd, urging for a rethink on how pupils qualify for free rides to school. The buzz started when Rhondda Cynon Taf Council made a major shift: now, only students who live three miles or more from their school get free transport, compared to the previous two-mile rule.
Campaigner Tina from Save the School Transport RCT isn’t holding back, declaring: “All kids deserve to get to school without hassle. Our streets aren’t always safe, and not every child can hop on a public bus due to illnesses or financial struggles.” She also fears more cars on the roads, higher emissions, and a rise in accidents involving kids. 🚸
Many agree that kids should be focusing on their GCSEs and A-levels, not how to get to school. Councillor Cathy Lisles highlighted that a three-mile walk isn’t the same everywhere. It’s one thing on the flat city streets of Cardiff, but quite another trekking the steep hills of Rhondda Cynon Taf with backpacks and sports gear!
Parents and campaigners are calling for the rules to be fairer and to consider local geography, journey times, and the simple logistics for students lugging heavy school gear. The Welsh Government says local authorities manage their own transport, but they’ve been asked to think about how realistic it is for a child to walk three miles early in the morning.
The petition has gathered enough support to bring about a debate, with hopes that the voices of thousands will lead to a re-evaluation and possibly more learner-friendly policies by February 2026. 📢 Let’s stay tuned to see if the movement sparks the change many in Wales are hoping for! 🚌💬