THE council behind a controversial shake-up of free travel for sixth-form and college students has announced it has struck deals with bus operators.

Durham County Council earlier this year decided to scrap a scheme giving some post-16 students free travel, in favour of one that would extend discounts to all students.

For years, free travel has been available to students who have to travel two or more miles to get to their core course. The cost of the scheme, which is to end in September, is expected to be more than £2.9m, almost £1m above the national average, which the council considers to be unsustainable.

However, from September, all students living more than two miles from their course will receive up to £130 a term towards travel, depending on the distance they are from their college.

Durham County Council said it was not fair that some students received completely free transport, while the majority had no help at all.

But the new system has been criticised by schools and pupils in rural areas who fear it could price them out of studying beyond GCSEs or A-levels.

The council says that the new policy has been enhanced in the first round of deals with transport operators "to ensure students get even more miles for their money''.

Go North-East will offer a Get Around 7 Day Saver ticket, which will enable students aged 16 to 19 unlimited travel on the company's buses throughout the region, including evenings and weekends.

Weardale Private Hire, a taxi operator in the Dales, is also to offer post-16 students a significant reduction off all weekday taxi journeys between 8am to 6pm.

Bus firm Arriva will offer students a per-term pass for services throughout Arriva's operating area, including evenings and weekends, for a fixed price.

Claire Vasey, council cabinet member for children and young people's services, said: "The new arrangements we are introducing later this year are much fairer, in that instead of offering free travel for just some students, they will offer cut price travel for many more, so lots more young people will benefit.

"The special travel deals we are agreeing with operators will enhance the scheme even further and help young people get even more miles for their money."