A potential rise in the price of school bus fares in County Durham has been questioned by councillors. 

Durham County Council has proposed several changes to its home to school transport service, which caters for over 9,000 children, as growing demand and inflation has seen the cost of providing the services soar in recent years. 

Several changes to the current scheme have been proposed by the authority in a bid to make it more affordable in the future. 

The current price for concessionary seats is £1.63 per day but could rise to £2.80 for a return journey in line with a similar Go North East Under 19 fare from September.

A Children and Young People’s council scrutiny meeting on Friday heard that a review into the current service was launched in April.

Cllr Chris Varty, of Trimdon and Thornley, said bus cancellations, delays and extended journey times are already affecting people’s travel to college and work.

“I like a few things with this proposal but I think the price going up is too much,” she said. “Parents have a hard enough life bringing up children.”

Her concerns were also shared by cllr Anne Reed, who said the new cost could affect many families. She added: “To put it up to £2.80 straight away; I don’t know if that will be a little too far for residents.”

However, council officers insisted the price change is just a proposal and welcomes all feedback from the public. 

Some travel routes could be scrapped, as the council instead prioritises physical works to improve routes currently classified as “unsafe”, which would enable some pupils to walk or cycle to school.

But Cllr Stacey Deniali raised concern over the adverse impact it would have on working families in rural areas. 

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A new programme to help children with special educational needs and disabilities to travel independently is also planned. 

The council says the proposals will ensure any child or young person who is eligible for the service under the council’s statutory duty will continue to receive support to travel to school.

Click here to have your say on the proposal. The consultation period runs until Wednesday, April 12, ahead of a final decision being made by cabinet members in the summer.