Personal Transport Budgets

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

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

The payment is paid to the parent or carer who is named on the School Transport application.

The County Council will consider if a PTB is a cost effective and appropriate option for school travel.

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

You will need to state on your school transport application that you are interested in a PTB.

Once your application has been submitted, we will review your application to determine whether a PTB is appropriate and cost-effective.

We may need to discuss the options with you, and you will then be informed of the outcome of your application.

Existing users

If you 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 college. There are a number of ways you can use your budget, such as:

  • to cover fuel costs or wear and tear on your car (at 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 you can't
  • 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 collecting 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.