Personal Transport Budgets

Explore how Personal Transport Budgets (PTB) for eligible children can benefit you and how to apply.

A Personal Transport Budget is a payment made in advance which allows you to make flexible travel arrangements for eligible children rather than travelling on a vehicle contracted by the County Council.

School Transport will prioritise public transport passes and Personal Transport Budgets (where appropriate) when considering transport arrangements.

Payments are made to the parent/carer who is named on the School Transport application.

How PTBs might benefit you

PTBs can benefit families in a range of ways, including:

  • flexibility to make travel arrangements that best meet the child’s needs and circumstances
  • parents and carers can combine their Personal Transport Budgets to arrange shared transport, providing more flexible travel options for their children
  • support independence for transition to college
New applicants

For children who are eligible, the transport assistance provided may be a:

  • pass for use on public transport
  • personal transport budget (PTB) for parents to use for transport to school
  • contracted school bus
  • taxi service

Once your application has been submitted, we will review your application to determine which form of transport is most appropriate and cost-effective. This will include considering whether a PTB is a suitable option.

We may need to discuss the options with you before we confirm your travel arrangements.

If you are offered a PTB and you decline this option, the School Transport Service requires 15 working days from the date of refusal for making alternative transport arrangements.

In certain circumstances a PTB may be the only form of transport support available for some Post-16 students. Where there is no suitable alternative transport provision for the young person, the County Council may not offer any other Post‑16 transport assistance beyond a PTB. Read more about Post 16 transport for young people with SEND.

Please note that mileage reimbursement is calculated based on the shortest distance by road, not the quickest or preferred route.

Existing users

If you are an existing School Transport user and would like to consider a PTB, you can submit an enquiry via the online form.

How we pay you

Payments will be made by the County Council into your designated bank account in eleven equal monthly instalments between September and July (or pro rata). You will need to provide us with your bank details when you sign the PTB Agreement.

How you can use the budget

Your personal transport budget must be used to get your child to school or education setting. There are a number of ways you can use your budget, such as:

  • to cover fuel costs or wear and tear on your car (currently in line with HMRC guideline rates)
  • to pay for a shared taxi journey with other students
  • paying other people to take your child to school or college when/if you are not able
  • paying for someone to support your child to arrive at school safely and ready to learn
  • paying for childcare for your other children whilst you're transporting your eligible child
  • buying travel passes for your other children so they can get home whilst you're collecting your eligible child

Further details can be found in our PTB terms and conditions.

Cancellation of a PTB

The County Council could cancel your PTB if:

  • your child’s attendance is unacceptable and/or they are regularly late for school. The County Council will check your child’s attendance with their school 
  • you move home and your child is no longer eligible for school transport
  • you have not made safe travel arrangements for your child/young person
  • your child/young person leaves the school/education setting
  • a more cost-effective option becomes available
Contact

For further information, contact the school transport team.