Torbay Council

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Modes of Travel

When a child is eligible for assistance with transport to School/College, it is a matter for the Council to determine the mode of assistance which is safe, secure and cost effective. Arrangements include public bus route, ferry, contract taxi/minibus, rail pass, parental petrol acknowledgement or a walking escort.

Public Bus

Over the past 4 years Torbay Council have been working with Stagecoach and other public bus operators to create a bus network that will serve Schools, Sixth Forms and Colleges in the Torbay area. The Transport Team will grant transport on a public bus where possible as it gives the Student more flexibility and independence. Please see the Bus Passes page for information on different types of passes.

Ferry

Some Students who are entitled to transport assistance may require a ferry pass due to the nature of their journey. Ferry passes are issued separately from the bus pass. For more information regarding ferry departure times, please contact River Link opens in a new window on 01803 834488

Contract Taxi/Minibus

It is the Transport Team’s decision what constitutes an appropriate form of transport for a Student to get to School/College. In all of these cases, other modes of travel have been ruled out because of the Student’s particular need(s). Taxi transport is only granted if a Student has a medical problem, Educational Behavioural Difficulties or has been statemented by the Special Educational Needs Department of the Council. Exceptional cases are referred to the Officer Panel.
Where appropriate a Student may share a taxi with other Students or be allocated to a minibus, this is to improve efficiency and ensure best value.
Escorts may be provided for Students who are very young, who have to travel very long distances, or who have severe medical or social needs. It is expected that as a Student grows older and more independent the need for an Escort will diminish. All Escorts and minibus drivers are checked  by the police and issued with Torbay Council identification badges.

Rail Pass

Some Students who are entitled to transport assistance may require a rail pass due to the nature of their journey. Rail passes are NOT issued to Students attending Exeter College.
Although Torbay Council process the application and payment forms, all the rail passes are issued by Devon County Council. A passport sized photograph is required when applying for a rail pass. The current cost for a replacement is £5 for the season ticket, £5 for the photocard or £10 for both to be replaced. For more information regarding rail departure times please contact First Great Western opens in a new window.

Petrol Allowance

Where an entitlement to transport exists and there are difficulties in providing a Student with suitable transport arrangements, Parent/Guardians who are willing to convey their Children to School or Students who are willing to use their own transport may apply for a Petrol Allowance and have their expenses reimbursed. This is only offered at the discretion of the Transport Team.



Related Websites

Related Tasks

Contact Children's Services Transport Team