School Bus Cuts: How Parents Can Budget for Transport Costs

School transport decisions can have a real impact on your household finances — and parents at Brixham College in Devon are facing exactly that challenge right now. The college has announced it will stop running dedicated school buses at the end of the academic year, leaving 266 families to find alternative arrangements during an already tight cost-of-living period.

What’s happening and who it affects

Brixham College has decided to axe its subsidised bus service because it currently costs the school over £150,000 a year. The college says it’s pouring more than 50% of the cost of each seat (with even bigger discounts for siblings), money it says should go towards teaching and learning instead. From next academic year, students will need to use public buses instead — specifically Stagecoach routes 12 and 13.

For parents, this is a significant change. Some students currently face journeys of up to 10 hours a day when you factor in the walk to school. Switching to public transport could mean higher costs, longer travel times, and genuine safety concerns — particularly for younger teenagers.

What you can do now

If your child uses the bus service, start planning immediately. Contact the college to understand what support they’re offering during the transition. Torbay Council says it’s working with the college to “mitigate impacts”, so it’s worth checking what help is available locally.

Look into the public bus routes and work out realistic costs. A weekly bus pass might be cheaper than daily tickets, and some councils offer student discounts. If your child has special educational needs, ask the college about eligibility for additional support — they’ve confirmed this may be available.

The bigger picture

This situation highlights how education costs extend beyond tuition. Transport, childcare, and related expenses can seriously squeeze household budgets. When significant changes happen, schools should consult parents properly — and in this case, many feel they weren’t given a say.

If you’re struggling with unexpected education costs, budgeting apps and your local council’s family support services can help. Don’t be shy about asking what’s available.