P-06-1555 To review all guidance on Home to School Transport for all of Wales. Free access to an education – Correspondence from the Petitioner to the Committee, 04 February 2026

Dear Petitions Committee 

Reflections on the debate

Thank you for agreeing for this matter to be discussed again.

In the debate on Wednesday 14^th January, we have some positive and negatives.

In regards to the positives, we welcomed hearing that there is cross party consensus that this is an issue that has to be addressed. It was also positive for us to see that so many members came across as though they genuinely cared about the issue. As a parent, a petitioner and a campaigner this has been a long journey, especially when I still receive stories daily from parents about how this policy is impacting negatively on their child.

With any progress potentially being delayed until after the election, many people are frustrated and angry. This is why we are still  pursuing for this to be actioned as a matter of urgency. If we wait any longer the students who are struggling now will continue to suffer. Not being able to access school could hinder their whole futures.

Attending school or college is the only opportunity some children get to leave their home or to see their friends. To be able to fulfil their potential. We have to stand now and give every child the opportunity to thrive. Cost of living is rising putting children at risk from family relationship breakdowns. Even those who used to live comfortably are now also struggling to juggle work and getting their child to an educational setting.

Climate change and more frequent extreme weather events is also having an impact. The decision in RCT has added additional stress, strain and emotional worries to students. Weather warnings are increasing and are not one offs. Taking school transport off students has increased significantly in other vehicles on our roads, leading to increased emissions filtering into our lungs putting added pressure on health and our NHS.

The cost in SEND/ ALN transport hasn’t gone unnoticed. As a campaign group we are putting together a survey for students and parents to answer. Their input will help shape what improvements could be made to the current system.

In the meantime, we are asking for immediate support for those who can’t afford the £1 journey and are therefore missing school or college. And also for those who are waiting for buses to arrive,  leaving them vulnerable waiting in the cold sometimes in uncovered bus stops,  and in areas not safe to wait in.

There have been numerous issues on public transport over the last few months involving inappropriate actions by adults with children travelling the same time. Evidence has been submitted to the campaign group by parents.

Child safety and now their protection is an issue on public transport, making them more vulnerable to predators and substance misusers when travelling with them.

We are not begging. We are now pleading with you to forward this urgently for consideration by the Welsh Government so that funding is provided for the local authorities to at least provide transportation after the Easter break until September this year. A resolution is desperately needed.

With respect and kindness.

 Tina Collins