Temporary Vacant Seat Scheme

All enquiries regarding the temporary vacant seat scheme should be directed to

Integrated Transport and Planning Unit
Development Services
Riverway
Stafford
ST16 3TJ

Telephone -

01785 278679 (north of the county - Newcastle and Moorlands area)

01785 278678 (east of the county including Lichfield and Tamworth)

01785 278718/19 (west of the county including Stafford, Cannock and South Staffs)

Email publictransport@staffordshire.gov.uk

Please note that the number of seats available under this scheme is limited, and a place cannot be guaranteed.

We strongly suggest that parents consider alternative transport solutions. For more information on public transport please call Traveline on 0871 2002233. For assistance with journey planning including both bus and rail information the website www.transportdirect.info may be of assistance.

Where a vehicle hired by the Authority has more seats than are needed for pupils entitled to free or subsidised transport, places may be made available to other pupils. A standard charge irrespective of the distance travelled or number of journeys required will be made as described below for pupils of statutory school age.

For 2008/09 the charges for pupils up to and including year group 11 will be:

Annual £390

or in 2 payments

Autumn Term £144

Spring/Summer term £252

A few schools make special transport arrangements for some pupils who are not entitled to free transport. These arrangements are explained in the school prospectus.

Pupils aged 16 and above (year group 12 and above) the 2008/09 charges will be:

Annual £290

or in 2 payments

Autumn Term £145

Spring and Summer term £145

Please note the charge for 16-19 year olds is lower than for those under 16 years of age due to the additional funding from central government to support students continuing into Further Education.

Important Note:

Purchase of a seat under the Temporary Vacant Seat Scheme does not imply the Authority will assume responsibility for transporting a pupil in future years, or that a seat will be available each year. It is therefore important that parents do not rely on the seat as a guarantee of transport provision
Pupils in possession of a seat under the scheme may be required to give up their pass at any time (this may be very short notice) if it is needed for a pupil entitled to free or subsidised transport. It is therefore important that parents have an alternative method of ensuring their child attends school, should the pass be withdrawn
Where a pass is withdrawn after payment has been made, a part refund will be issued
The number of seats available under the scheme may vary from year to year, as the number of entitled pupils fluctuates and vehicle sizes may change when contracts are renewed.
As seats for pupils entitled to free or subsidised transport are allocated right up to the start of the new academic year and into September, vacant seat passes may not be allocated until shortly before, or in some cases shortly after the start of term.
A bus/taxi route will not be amended/diverted for vacant seat pass holders. Children will have to board the vehicle at an existing pick up point. Due to the nature of taxi and bus routes, the nearest pick-up point to your home address may vary during the course of the contract.

Last Modified: 08/10/2008 15:39:16
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