My Learner is not entitled to free School Transport: What next?

Investigate local public transport options that service the school. Many transport providers offer discounted fares for students, which can make commuting more affordable. Check the local bus and train timetables for more information.

Evaluate the safety and feasibility of active travel to school. Encouraging learners to utilise safe, established routes can foster independence while promoting an active lifestyle.

Carmarthenshire County Council offers a Spare Seat Policy for School transport, designed to provide additional travel options for learners who do not qualify for free transport.

How it works:

• Eligibility: Spare seats are available to learners who live more than 1 mile away from their nearest or catchment school.
• Priority: Priority for these spare seats will be given to learners who are eligible for free school meals. Subsequently, younger learners will be considered for any remaining seats.

Please note: Spare seats will NOT be made available on or where there is an existing fare paying school service operating to and from school, or where there is other suitable public transport available. 
Applications for spare seats must be made using the online form and must be submitted to the Learner Travel Team by 12 noon on the last Friday in September. The evaluation of applications will be carried out based on specific criteria that considers the available spare capacity as of the first Friday in October. Successful applicants will receive their travel passes in the weeks following this assessment. Please note that you need to submit applications for the Spare Seat Scheme each year. We encourage you to review all relevant information carefully before submitting your application. While late applications can be submitted, they will be prioritised last and reviewed at the beginning of the Spring and Summer terms.

Spare seat policy 

Spare seat application