Fury grows as parents face school bus bill
Home-to-school transport cuts announced as part of East Lothian Council's 2010/11 budget will predominantly hit low income families living in the Fa'side ward.
That is the view of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council (TECC) members, who are opposed to an increase — from two miles to three — in the free home-to-school transport threshold.
The budget cut, which affects secondary pupils, means that only those who live more than three miles from school will be entitled to free transport. Youngsters living in Elphinstone, Ormiston and Macmerry will now have to make their own way to Ross High School, Tranent.
Helmets
Chairman of Tranent and Elphinstone Community Council, Raymond Strang, told the News: "This situation would be laughable if it were not so serious.
"I hold a view that the children have been failed by our administration. And what about single parent families — are they expected to buy a bike and helmets for their children?"
He added: "I am deeply disappointed by our elected representatives on the administration.
Income
"Let's name them — it is Ruth Currie and Kenny McLeod who voted for these measures to be implemented."
With a single bus fare costing 70p, it will cost around 28 per month to send a child to school.
Community councillor James Flemming hit out: "Low income families with three children are being asked to find 84 per month to send their kids to school — that is a lot of money in these hard times."
Full report in East Lothian News, February 26, 2010
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Wednesday 08 February 2012
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