Post 16 transport

A guide to Post 16 transport in Plymouth

• Who is eligible for assistance?
• What assistance is available?
• Do I need a pass in order to obtain a reduced fare?
• I am a student with special needs and cannot use public transport – what assistance is available for me
• The school or college I attend is outside the Plymouth area – Is there any assistance available?
• Is there any help available from my school or college?

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Who is eligible for assistance?

Students who are resident in Plymouth who are in years 12 or 13 or attending a further education college, and who are under 19 on 1 September of the current academic year.

Students must be registered at a school or college and attending a full time course for at least 450 hours per academic year, over three terms (approximately 12 hours per week).

Students must be studying up to GCE A Level, National Diploma or equivalent.

What assistance is available?

On public transport you can travel for 60p per single journey to and from school or college at peak time. A transfer ticket is also available at 90p per journey for students using Citybus services who need to use more than one bus for their journey. The transfer between services must be made within one hour. At off peak times you will be charged a child fare.

The following subsidised bus passes are available from bus operators. All passes are valid for travel at all times between the dates shown on the pass (please note these prices are correct as at June 2007 but may be subject to alteration by the bus operators):

Citybus

• Concessionary Fare: 60p per journey - available from the driver
• Citybus SchoolRider One Zone: £23.25 per half term - available from the Citybus Office, Exeter Street
• Citybus SchoolRider All Zones: £35.80 per half term - available from the Citybus Office, Exeter Street
• Transfer Ticket: 90p - available from the driver

First Devon and Cornwall

• Concessionary Fare: 60p per journey - available from the driver
• Contact First on 0845 600 1420 for details of other season tickets available.

Joint Operator Citybus/First

• Citybus/First SchoolRider One Zone: £28 per half term (£141 per year) - available from the Citybus Office, Exeter Street or First on 0845 600 1420
• Citybus/First SchoolRider All Zone: £42.50 per half term (£210 per year) - available from the Citybus Office, Exeter Street or First on 0845 600 1420

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Do I need a pass in order to obtain a reduced fare?

Yes, in order to obtain concessionary fares the student must complete an application form for a Young Persons Travel Pass (YPTP), which must be stamped by the school or college to confirm that the student is in full time education.  Application forms are available from schools and colleges.

I am a student with special needs and cannot use public transport – what assistance is available for me?

Students will be assessed according to need, in consultation with appropriate professionals. The student, in consultation with the school/college, should complete a Transport Application Form in order for the Local Authority to assess transport needs. Application forms are available from the Transport Team on 01752 307412.

Students with disabilities and/or learning difficulties will be supported up to the end of the academic year in which they reach the age of 21 providing they commence the course before their 19^th birthday. An escort will be provided if assessed as being necessary.

A charge of £228 per year will be made towards this provision which will be invoiced termly in advance.

Students who are attending a residential school or college outside Plymouth will be entitled to one return journey at the beginning and end of each term and half term. Where a parent wishes to transport the student themselves a contribution towards the petrol costs may be available instead.

We also employ two Independent Travel Instructors who work on a one to one basis with students helping them to develop independent travel skills and problem solving skills. For further information on this scheme please visit our independent travel training scheme page. [Back to top]

The school or college I attend is outside the Plymouth area - is there any assistance available?

Yes, but the establishment must be the nearest offering the chosen course of study and must be within daily travelling distance. Assistance will be offered as follows:

• The student should apply in the first instance to the school/college for any assistance available under the school/college's own transport policy.
• If public transport is available, up to half of the additional cost for travel outside Plymouth will be refunded (this will be at the cheapest rate available). Any travel within Plymouth (for example a bus journey to connect with the train) will not be refunded as the student will be able to use their YPTP to travel at a concessionary or child fare.
• If no public transport is available but the student can provide their own transport a contribution may be made towards petrol costs - this is currently 8p per mile. This amount will be reviewed on an annual basis.
• If no public or own transport is available a taxi or minibus may be provided. There will be an annual charge to the student of £228 for this provision and this will be invoiced in advance on a termly basis.

Application forms are available from the Transport Team on 01752 307412.

Is there any help available from my school or college?

City College Plymouth - City College Plymouth (CCP) offer a half hourly shuttle bus service to and from the city centre and the College main sites. Enrolled students may use the shuttle bus free of charge with their CCP ID card. This service is a low floor disabled access vehicle. Please contact the college direct for further information and a bus timetable.

Plymouth College of Art and Design - Plymouth College of Art and Design offer some assistance with travel costs to eligible students. You should contact the college direct for details.

Schools - Some schools may offer limited assistance with transport costs if attending off-site education provision. Please contact the school direct for further information.

School Access Fund - this is available to pupils in 6^th form at school and is a means tested bursary paid directly to the student to assist with the cost of books, travel etc.

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