Bridgend students to use service buses rather than dedicated college coaches from September

The announcement comes as Bridgend Council’s Cabinet approved how funds totalling £300,000 will provide standard annual bus passes for college students in the coming academic year, who live more than three miles from Bridgend College.

The passes will be used on existing First Cymru services, rather than a dedicated college bus service– a move which the council say will in turn support bus networks across the county borough.

First Cymru is the current dedicated service provider for student travel back and forth to Bridgend College campuses.

The council say the contract, due to end in July, has not been renewed for the forthcoming academic year, due to uncertainty that was surrounding Welsh Government funding for bus services, which has since been resolved.

It adds that since there was little time to procure a contracted service before September, each eligible learner will be given a free First Cymru digital bus pass or ‘e-ticket’.

Students are encouraged to activate their ticket with ‘MyTravelPass’ – a scheme offered by Welsh Government, providing 30% savings on bus travel for 16- to 21-year-olds in Wales.

The council say they are also set make significant savings of up to 34%, should students activate the Welsh Government’s travel pass.

Councillor Jon-Paul Blundell, Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Education said: “We are excited about the new college transport offer. It has many advantages including supporting sustainability, as well as the bus networks across the county borough, by using existing public bus services.

“It also provides the opportunity for students to activate their free ‘MyTravelPass’ which allows for savings for the students, as well as for financial efficiency savings to council services.

“We intend to work with Bridgend College to promote the new college transport offer, including the benefits of college learners subscribing to and using Welsh Government’s ‘MyTravelPass’. An exciting time for all!”

(Lead image: First Cymru)