Worcestershire student bus pass prices to rise in September
Council aims to cover transport costs rather than turning profit
Student bus pass prices in Worcestershire are set to increase as Worcestershire County Council seeks to address budget pressures.
From September, the annual Severn Card for Zone 1 will rise from £310 to £434.
Zone 2 passes will increase from £495 to £693, while Zone 3 passes will go from £600 to £800.
Termly and half-termly passes are also available, as is the option to pay monthly via direct debit.
Karl Perks, cabinet member for highways and transport, explained that the change is not intended to generate profit.
“The Severn Card student bus pass scheme is a discretionary transport provision offered by Worcestershire County Council for pupils who are not eligible for statutory free school transport," Perks said.
Perks highlighted that the Home to School Transport budget has been strained due to rising demand and increased operating costs.
The price change is expected to contribute approximately £400,000 towards these costs.
Despite the increase, Severn Cards will remain cheaper than similar schemes in neighbouring counties, he noted.