Transport Changes and Support for Children and Young People
Liverpool City Council is set to introduce a series of changes to its Home-to-School Transport Policy and the SEN Post-16 Transport Policy from September 2025. The updates to the policies, which aim to encourage active travel, promote greater independence for students and align policies with those of neighbouring authorities, will take effect at the start of the new school year.
It will not affect those who currently receive a travel pass, as long as they continue to attend their current school or college.
After a 10-week public consultation which took place last March to May, changes were agreed by Cabinet to greater reflect Liverpool City Council’s commitment to providing sustainable and fair travel options while continuing to support those who need it most.
These changes include:
- Families selecting a school other than the nearest deemed suitable will no longer be eligible for discretionary free travel.
- For children aged eight and older, the minimum distance to qualify for travel support will increase from two to three miles.
Families meeting low-income criteria, which make up 40% of travel passes issued, will continue to receive travel support as per statutory requirements. The Council will work with schools to provide travel support for pupils who do not meet the criteria.
Students 16 and over with SEN travel support
Students aged 16 and over, eligible for SEN travel support, will contribute £680 per year towards the cost, if transport provided by the Council is required. Currently the average cost of transport is £5,843 per student.
This contribution will be reduced by 50% for students who qualify for free school meals. It can be paid in instalments and many post 16 students can apply for bursary funding to cover travel costs.
Travel Training is available for young people up to the age of 18 to gain the skills needed to take journeys independently.
Parents, carers, schools, or support workers can refer young people for travel training by contacting: itt@liverpool.gov.uk
Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Lila Bennett: “We are committed to supporting families through this transition and offer resources and assistance to ensure students can travel safely and independently where possible.
“We provide specialist travel training for young people aged up to 18 with special educational needs or disabilities. It combines practical and classroom-based sessions to equip them with the skills and confidence to travel independently.”
For detailed information about all changes, visit: Liverpool City Council – School Travel Support
If you have any enquiries relating to the policies email
schoolbustravel@liverpool.gov.uk or sen.transport@liverpool.gov.uk