Controversial plans trialling an end to subsidised school transport in East Ayrshire will be rolled out this month.
Pupils who currently use non-statutory subsidised school transport will have to use other modes of transport, such as active travel, public transport or a pilot bus service provided by Stagecoach to get to and from school.
East Ayrshire Council say this is a bid to encourage pupils to find other ways to travel to and from school, amid budget constraints being faced by the local authority.
The scheme is the only one of its type in Scotland and has been cited as a driver for a significant overspend in the council’s school transport budget, with costs in excess of £500,000 expected.
READ MORE: Parents hit out at lack of communication over school transport plans
From Wednesday, May 29 until Friday, June 14, non-statutory subsidised school transport will be removed for pupils.
East Ayrshire Council has said that information has been sent to parents or guardians of pupils who will be affected by this change during the period of their exams.
Parents and carers who have paid for the non-statutory subsidised school transport places will receive a credit of £18.33 for the three-week period of the pilot.
Councillors considered a report on removing the scheme last year, but subsequently opted to postpone a decision until more work was carried out to assess active travel and public transport links.
The last full year of operation saw the council pay out £462,000, equating to around £750 for each of the 617 pupils.
More information on the scheme and alternatives can be found on the East Ayrshire Council website.
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