Save School Transport in RCT

Residents angry about RCT Council’s plans to cut back on some home to school transport from next autumn have organised a demonstration to be held outside the Council’s Pontypridd offices at 11am Saturday 19th October.

They’re unhappy about planned cuts from next September which will see free bus transport withdrawn for children aged 11 and over who live within 3 miles of their secondary school, saying it will mean a very long walk for some children in all weathers.

For example Laura, one of the protest organisers, says it took around 1hr 10 mins to walk the 2.8 mile route her two children will be expected to take – but the cost of getting them there on public transport would be £84 a month, which she simply can’t afford.

They also say they’ve collected thousands of petition signatures and organised public meetings in the worst impacted areas.

Meanwhile RCT Council says it currently provides more school bus transport than is required by law and will still be doing so after the proposed cutbacks – but has to make savings because of the budget deficits it faces.

Other nearby councils are also either consulting on plans to reduce school bus services or are already committed to doing so, in the case of Merthyr Council from September 2026.