Changes to local authorities’ home-to-school transport policies have potential to significantly alter operators’ business models, believes Edwards Coaches, which is facing uncertainty over such in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT).
That council is one of several which is either committed to, or considering, extending the distance which pupils need to travel to qualify for free transport.
A spokesperson for Edwards, which operates more than 250 vehicles, says it is “confident in being able to weather the storm” as the Llantrisant-based operator prepares to bid for a reduced number of routes which are up for renewal this summer.
However, they add: “School transport has been the bread and butter for Edwards and many other operators in the area for many years. There will be fewer contracts to tender for; all operators are fishing in a smaller pond. All of us will need to sharpen our pencils and provide competitive prices. For some operators, it has the potential to significantly change their business model.”
From September, RCT County Borough Council will provide free transport only to pupils who reside three miles or more from their secondary school or college. It was previously two miles.
However, the new policy is in line with the Welsh Government statutory requirement, which RCT says 18 of the 22 councils in Wales already adopt. Other areas around the UK due to fall into line with minimum legal requirements include Monmouthshire County Council, Liverpool City Council, and North Tyneside Council.
The Edwards spokesperson adds: “We understand the strain on councils and local authorities and appreciate that their hands are somewhat tied. The impact on the community is likely to be pretty significant, though the outcome of the safe routes to school assessments are yet to be communicated.”
