With another school year set to start, it isn’t just concrete causing councils headaches. With a new term beginning post-summer holidays, councils are confronted with the escalating cost pressures of home to school transport.
As we have argued in recent blogs, home-to-school transport isn’t just about shuttling students between their homes and classrooms; it’s a lifeline for many families. From special educational needs and disability (SEND) provisions to ensuring access in remote areas, the complexities are numerous. These multifaceted demands, coupled with rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and safety protocols, have driven up expenses, putting significant pressure on council budgets.
The backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic has further intensified challenges. Safety protocols demand reduced capacities in vehicles, leading to more routes or vehicles, further inflating costs. The question arises: how can councils navigate these turbulent waters without compromising on the quality of service?
From our experience of reforming these services in councils across the country, we strongly believe that modern problems often require modern solutions. By embracing route optimisation software, councils can ensure that buses and other transport modes are utilised efficiently, potentially reducing the number of vehicles and routes required.
We also believe in the power of co-design when it comes to any reforming of services, which is why we encourage councils to create platforms for parents and guardians to engage in meaningful dialogue. Understanding their concerns, preferences, and potential flexibilities can lead to innovative, community-driven solutions like carpooling or staggered school hours.
Special provisions for SEND students are undeniably crucial. However, it’s worth revisiting these routes to ensure they are as efficient as possible. Can some students be integrated into mainstream transport with additional support, reducing the need for multiple bespoke solutions?
We also encourage councils to consider the introduction or expansion of walking, buses, cycling schemes, or other eco-friendly, community-centric transport methods. Not only do they present a greener alternative, but they also promote health and reduce reliance on traditional transportation, potentially saving costs.
Schools can be pivotal partners in this journey. Involving schools in exploring strategies, such as staggered start and end times or on-site solutions like park-and-stride schemes, can alleviate some of the pressures.
Councils often work with third-party providers for transportation services. Regularly reviewing these contracts, renegotiating terms, or exploring competitive tendering processes can lead to better financial outcomes.
While safety remains paramount, councils can consider streamlining some of the post-pandemic measures, in line with updated health guidance. If certain expensive protocols no longer add value or safety, they might be candidates for revision.
From government grants focused on sustainable transport to community fundraising for local solutions, councils can explore various funding avenues to ease the financial burden.
Crucially, we understand that in some councils, the responsibility for Home to School transport strategic and operational responsibilities sit across multiple departments. Often the responsibility can be in procurement, commissioning, highways and finance. Peopletoo recognise that this can be a challenge and so we are skilled at bringing together multiple teams to find collaborative solutions. Our USP in this area is our ability to bring expertise from all these various disciplines from within a council, to one table to find the right solution for the community.
The resumption of schools post-holidays is always a time of excitement, hope, and, yes, logistical challenges. Home-to-school transport, while foundational, need not be a financial sinkhole. It’s an opportunity for innovation, collaboration, and community engagement.
As councils grapple with the nuances of school transport over the next few weeks, our message is one of hope and proactive action. The road ahead, while winding, can lead to destinations of enhanced efficiency, community collaboration, and sustainable solutions.