The Council has recently changed its policy on helping college students with free travel.
From September 2011 no help will be available from the city council for new applicants. However there is a new scheme from the bus companies as follows:
New 16-19 bus scheme
A new bus scheme has been set up for students attending Southampton schools and colleges. Academic term tickets are available from Bluestar and First Bus for students receiving a bursary fund.
This will be fully funded from your bursary allocation. Students who are not eligible for the bursary fund can buy tickets at the reduced rates agreed with the bus operators.
The tickets include half term breaks and provide unlimited travel within the city boundary between 6.00am and midnight. Tickets are 30% cheaper than standard 3-monthly ticket prices.
Please check with your school or college for further details. Please note that this scheme is not run by the city council.
Students in the 2010-11 academic year
Help will be available to students who received support in the academic year 2010/11 if they meet all of the following criteria:
Young people without special educational needs
they are under 19 years of age on 31 August before the start of their course
they study on the same course at the same college as they did in the previous academic year
they were receiving support with travel from the Council in the academic year 2010/11
Young people with special educational needs
They could get help if they meet all of the following criteria:
they are under 21 years of age on 31 August prior to the start of their course
they had a statement of special educational needs that was maintained by the council until the completion of their secondary education
the distance between their home and the college is more than 3 miles*
they are attending the nearest college to their home that can offer an appropriate course (appropriate means it enables them to meet their career objectives or is specifically designed to meet the student’s special educational needs)
* if the student does not meet the distance criteria, consideration will be given to the nature of the student’s special educational needs.
How to apply
If you meet the above criteria and wish to apply please contact the Transport Coordination Unit using the details below, and ask for an application form to be sent to you.
Southampton City Council
