School Transport Policy

Applies to 2027/28 Academic Year

In this section

Introduction

Carmarthenshire County Council has a legal duty to provide free home to school transport for learners of compulsory school age who attend their designated catchment school and who live beyond the statutory walking distance, in accordance with the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008.1

This policy sets out the Local Authority’s statutory responsibilities for providing home to school and college transport for learners living within Carmarthenshire. In delivering these duties, the Council must:

  • Promote and facilitate access to Welsh-medium education, in line with the Council’s Welsh in Education Strategic Plan (WESP) and Welsh-language obligations.
  • Promote sustainable modes of travel, supporting the national transport hierarchy, which prioritises active travel, public transport, shared transport, and low-emission modes where feasible.
  • Ensure that learner travel arrangements are safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible, reflecting the Council’s wider commitments to sustainability and encouraging a shift towards greener travel.

This policy is correct as of 1 October 2026 and applies to the 2027/28 academic year. The policy is reviewed annually and in accordance with any relevant legislative changes.

Free transport is only provided where a learner meets the eligibility criteria outlined in this document. Parents and guardians should read this guidance carefully before submitting an application. Please do not reapply if a previous application was refused unless your circumstances have changed (e.g., change of address or change of school).

Parents and guardians considering an application for school transport are strongly encouraged to read the Schools Admission information on Carmarthenshire County Council’s website at Education & Schools - Carmarthenshire County Council and to contact the Learner Travel Team if they are unsure about eligibility for free transport, including when planning a change of address or a change of school, or when transitioning from primary to secondary education.

1 Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008