Only 74 responses over big rise in bus costs for Shropshire students

The period in which people could have their say ended last week, with a final decision expected at the end of the month.

Proposals put forward could see the cost of travel for students aged 16 and over increase from £550 to £876 per academic year – an increase of about 60 per cent.

Families on benefits will also have to pay for the first time, having previously enjoyed free transport, albeit at a reduced rate.

Shropshire Council's Liberal Democrat leader, Councillor Roger Evans, said it was too much to ask people to pay.

"Anyone who lives in rural areas will be forced to pay about £900 for their child to receive the free education and enable them to reach the attainment that they deserve," he said.

"We owe it to our young people to give them the best education possible.

"This will stop many going to do their A-levels and entering university."

Fellow Shropshire councillor Hannah Fraser has also objected to the plans, which she labelled "ill-considered, unfair and short-sighted".

Councillor Fraser added: "I note that the sums of money involved - almost £900 per year for low income families and almost £150 per year for families on defined benefits - are significant amounts for any family on a tight budget, and are likely to be unaffordable in many cases."

Pontesbury Parish Council has also lodged a formal objection to the controversial proposals.

Parish clerk Kate Sanderson said the council "strongly opposed" the "significant increase" in cost.

"Post -16 education is very important," she said.

"The restrictive cost of and inflexibility of transport will discourage students from rural areas who may be completely reliant on using public transport."

Andy Evans, transport officer for Shropshire Council, said: "The transport industry has and still is susceptible to rising costs and over a number of years the council has tried to limit the impact of this on student travel.

"However, there is a need to address the disparity between the cost of a bus pass to the council and the income it receives in contributions from students and parents, to continue to provide assistance in this area."

A final decision will be made in a behind-closed-doors meeting at Shirehall on May 31 by transport cabinet member Councillor Claire Wild.

Shropshire Council spokesman John Palmer said: "We would like to thank everyone who has responded.

"We have had a good response and all of the comments received will now be carefully considered before a final decision is made later this month."