Smart travel passes
Smart Travel Passes help children travel safely and quickly on their school bus. This page explains what they are, how they work, and what to do if you need help.
Did I need to give consent for my child to have a smart travel pass?
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No — you did not need to give consent. The council has a legal duty to provide free home‑to‑school transport for pupils who qualify. To do this, we must use certain information to create and manage Smart Travel Passes.
This means your child’s data is used under a lawful reason called “public task”, which allows the council to carry out its official responsibilities.
The information we collect is only used so we can provide school transport safely and properly.
Where is my child's information stored?
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The personal details used to produce your child’s travel pass will be held in a supplier’s secure database held in the UK in accordance with Data Protection Legislation.
What is the information from a smart travel pass being used for?
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The data from the smart travel pass is being used for transport planning in line with the Authorities statutory duties. We will also use it to measure quality and service provision.
Are my child's movements being tracked?
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Data is only captured at point of usage which is when a child boards the vehicle.
What happens if my child loses their smart travel or bus pass?
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If your child loses their smart travel pass you will need to order them a replacement pass on the replacement pass web page
When will I receive my child's bus pass?
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Your child’s bus pass will be issued before the commencement of the Autumn Term, you do not need to make a separate application for travel assistance.
I am moving to a new house will I still be entitled to free school transport?
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Please use the online school route checker to see if you may be entitled to free travel assistance. If you wish to make an application for school transport please fill in the application form.
I have received my child's bus pass and I would like to alter the pick-up point, vehicle, route, what do I need to do?
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if you have changed address, then see the question on moving to a new house. For any other reason you will need to complete the contact us form.
I am not entitled to free school transport what are my other options?
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- Active Travel
- Local service transport, you can check your options on Travel Line
- In some cases, schools provide their own transport options, enquire at your child’s school.
Where do I find the timetable for local bus services to school?
What do I do if the bus does not turn up to collect my child in the morning?
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Parents are responsible for their children until they board the vehicle, so it is a parent’s responsibility to have a plan in place for their child if the bus fails to turn up or if it is late.
We recommend all parents and children to sign up for the School Transport Text Alerts – once registered they will receive information regarding school transport, for instance - if the bus is running late, if there is a problem and what the solution is:
- The child must be attending a Staffordshire school
- It is free to sign up to customer alerts.
Who is responsible for ensuring my child wears their seat belt whilst travelling on school transport?
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It is the parent’s responsibility to ensure their child understands that they must wear their seat belt during the school journey. It is not the driver’s responsibility.
My child has missed the afternoon bus home from school what should they do?
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Children who miss the afternoon bus home should return to school and let a member of staff know what has happened. It is the parent’s responsibility to make arrangements to get their child home from school.
My child had to stay later in school, will the school transport still bring them home?
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No, if your child needs to remain in school for any reason it is the parent’s responsibility to make arrangements to get their child home. If your child uses local service transport, they may be able to get a later bus to get home, we will not refund any additional fares the child may be charged.
I am not happy with the transport arrangements I have been offered for my child, what are my options?
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If you feel that the transport offer is not suitable then firstly please read our policy.
Please complete the contact us form to discuss alternative options:
Contact the School Transport team
If after reading this you want to appeal the decision you can do so by using the review request form and providing all the supporting information you feel is necessary to make your case as to why it is not suitable.
My child is going in to sixth form / college in September – how do I arrange a free/subsidised bus pass?
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Whilst some pupils of statutory school age have an entitlement to free travel assistance, this ends once they become of sixth form age. For details of the travel assistance available for post 16 students, please visit our post 16 transport statement. Our offer of assistance focuses on those who have learning difficulties or disabilities which affect their ability to make the journey.
If my application for free travel is refused, what can I do?
If you think the decision is wrong, you should first read the school transport policy. This will help you understand the rules and who can get free travel.
If you still feel the decision is unfair, or you have special circumstances you want us to look at, you can fill in the review request form. Please include any information that helps explain why you think the decision should change.
Some reasons cannot be used to get free travel. For example:
- If your child used a spare seat before, but it is no longer available
- If you need help because of work or childcare arrangements
These reasons on their own would not usually count as exceptional circumstances.
Parents/Carers are separated and live at different addresses. Are we able to have a bus pass from both addresses?
No. Free school transport is only provided from your child’s main home address. This is the address held by the school and the one used for child benefit.
If your child stays at more than one home during the school week, we must use the address that is officially recorded as their main residence.
This is the address used to decide if your child can get free travel.
