Bus pass prices to rise by almost 20% in Kent
The Kent Travel Saver will rise from ÂŁ450 to ÂŁ550
School bus passes in Kent face a price rise of almost 20%.
The Kent Travel Saver (KTS) will rise from ÂŁ450 to ÂŁ550 next term, affecting nearly 14,000 students.
Kent County Council said the 18.18% hike was due “operation inflation” – a move described as “extortionate” by one parent.
Mum Amanda Clarke, a 55-year-old NHS worker whose teenage daughter Aimee attends Knole Academy in Sevenoaks, seven miles from their West Kingsdown home, says she feels “really angry” about the rise.
Chairman Cllr Sean Holden said the price increases are largely determined by the charges set by the bus companies who provide the service.
KTS is a discretionary travel concession aimed at secondary school students.
A low-income pass will remain at ÂŁ120 and a limited number will be free to some users, such as carers.
The current total of bus passes is 13,376 with an additional 2,500 on low income tickets.
Mr Holden said the service “still represents value for money”.
The council said a full cost pass can save up to 50% compared to operator tickets, even with the increase.
The issue will be discussed at a council meeting next week.