The Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex, Mims Davies has called for constituents to take part in West Sussex County Council’s consultation about its Post-16 Transport Policy. This outlines the help and information that is available to 16-19 year-olds from transport operators and the Council and the details and link to the consultation are below. The policy sets out the help that is available through West Sussex County Council, schools, colleges and transport operators for young people of sixth-form age in and those who are 19+ with an Education Health and Care Plan to get to school/college.
This year the consultation also includes a proposal to stop a rail scheme now that a new national scheme is being widely used by sixth-form age students. The Sussex Student Card, run by West Sussex County Council in partnership with East Sussex and Brighton & Hove councils and Southern Rail, offers a 34% discount on rail travel for further education students.
This year, in particular, the Council is asking for the public’s view on any impact that discontinuing its rail scheme would have. As applications for the councils card have dropped 94% since the DfT 16-17 railcard launched.
Commenting, the Member of Parliament for Mid Sussex, Mims Davies said:
“I encourage all constituents to take part in this consultation. Transport for our 16-19 year olds is very important and the council’s yearly evidence collections on this scheme are as important as ever this year.
“The consultation is now open and available online here and runs until 15 May 2020. All responses will be considered so please do make your views on the proposals known!”
Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said:
“Our Sussex Student Card has been popular but we are finding that most are using the 16-17 card and enjoy more of a saving.
“But we appreciate that everyone’s circumstances vary and we are keen to understand the impact of any decision we make, so I encourage those who are already using either card, or those might use it in future to give us their views.”
Ends.
Notes to Editors:
- For more information on transport schemes please see West Sussex County Council’s website: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/education-children-and-families/schools-and-colleges/school-and-college-transport