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North Lanarkshire Schools Face Bus Route Caps Amid New Transport Reform

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, December 22nd 2025 at 14:09 GMT by Daily Record

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North Lanarkshire’s School Transport Policy Under Review: What Parents and Students Need to Know

The Scottish Government’s “Education (School Transport) Reform” has sparked a fresh wave of debate across the North Lanarkshire council area. The changes, announced earlier this year, are designed to streamline bus routes, reduce costs, and promote safer travel for pupils. While the intention is to deliver a more efficient system, many parents, teachers, and local councillors are voicing concerns over the practical implications for daily commutes and overall student safety.

The Core of the Reform

At its heart, the new policy proposes a cap on the number of school bus routes that a single school can request from the council. In practice, this means that schools in densely populated or high‑traffic areas will have to coordinate more closely with neighbouring institutions to share routes or adjust pick‑up points. The policy also introduces a “risk‑based” allocation model, whereby buses serving high‑traffic corridors or areas with elevated accident statistics will receive priority funding.

A key feature of the reform is the shift in funding responsibilities. Under the previous arrangement, the council subsidised a large portion of the bus operators’ costs, with the remaining amount split between the schools and parents. The new model will see the council covering a smaller slice, encouraging schools to adopt “co‑pay” schemes that involve modest contributions from parents and, in some cases, the local authority’s discretionary funding.

Funding Challenges

The Scottish Government has pledged an additional £15 million in school transport subsidies across the country for the 2025/26 fiscal year. However, critics argue that this figure is insufficient to cover the projected shortfall caused by the route caps. Local councillor Claire McDonald highlighted that, in North Lanarkshire alone, the council estimates a potential £1.2 million shortfall in 2026 if the current level of funding is maintained.

In an interview with the Daily Record, a senior transport officer at the council explained, “We’re exploring alternative funding streams, including a partnership with local bus operators and a potential ‘community transport’ scheme that leverages volunteers and local charities to help with late‑night or after‑school trips.” The officer also noted that the council’s budget will be re‑allocated to cover a larger portion of safety upgrades, such as better lighting on bus stops and improved communication systems for drivers.

Community Response

Parents across the council area have expressed a range of reactions, from cautious optimism to outright alarm. A group of parents from Airdrie School formed a forum to discuss how the new policy might affect their children’s travel plans. One parent, Sarah McLeod, said, “It’s hard to imagine my two kids getting to school if we’re forced to share a bus with another school’s pupils. The timing could be off, and we’re concerned about the safety of a longer route.”

Teachers, too, are voicing concerns. A spokesperson for the Scottish Teachers’ Federation (STF) cautioned that longer bus routes could impact punctuality and overall classroom readiness. The STF is urging the Scottish Government to maintain “reasonable and safe” distances between the school’s drop‑off points and the start of lessons, particularly for primary‑school children who are most vulnerable to travel delays.

On the other hand, some parents see potential benefits. “If we’re able to share routes, we might get a better deal on the fares,” suggested a father from Wishaw who has a son attending a nearby secondary school. “Plus, it could reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, making traffic a little less chaotic.”

Safety Measures

One of the primary motivations behind the policy shift is a documented rise in on‑road incidents involving school buses. According to data released by Transport Scotland in 2024, there were 32 serious accidents involving school transport vehicles, up 8 % from the previous year. The new risk‑based model will allocate additional funding to high‑risk routes to install advanced safety features, such as:

• Real‑time GPS tracking to allow parents and school authorities to monitor buses.
• Enhanced driver training programmes focusing on defensive driving and child‑safety protocols.
• Installation of “child‑secure” bus stops featuring raised platforms and anti‑climbing fencing.

Local transport consultants are recommending that schools adopt a “no‑on‑board” policy for children under the age of 11, ensuring that all younger pupils travel with a chaperone or on a dedicated bus.

Looking Ahead: Policy Implementation and Feedback Loops

North Lanarkshire’s council has scheduled a series of stakeholder meetings over the coming months to refine the rollout. The first meeting, slated for next week, will involve representatives from the local schools, bus operators, parents’ associations, and the council’s transport department. The goal is to design a flexible framework that accommodates each school’s unique needs while staying within the new regulatory boundaries.

The council has also pledged to publish an annual “School Transport Report” summarising key metrics such as on‑time arrivals, safety incidents, and cost savings. This transparency initiative is part of a broader national drive to make school transport policies more data‑driven and responsive.

Takeaway for Parents and Students

If you’re a resident of North Lanarkshire, here are the practical steps you should consider:

1. Check Your School’s Transport Plan – Most schools will circulate an updated bus route and cost sheet in the coming weeks. Review it carefully and identify any changes that affect your child’s commute.

2. Contact Your Local Bus Operator – If you have concerns about the new routes or the safety features, reach out to the bus company directly. Operators often have a “customer helpline” dedicated to school transport queries.

3. Stay Informed About Funding Changes – If your child’s transport costs are likely to rise, consider contacting the council to explore any available subsidies or co‑pay options.

4. Participate in Local Forums – Engaging with parent‑teacher associations and community groups will not only keep you informed but also give you a platform to voice concerns and propose solutions.

5. Monitor Safety Updates – Keep an eye out for any announcements regarding safety upgrades or new bus stop installations. Many schools now use a mobile app to alert parents about any changes in real time.

Final Thoughts

The North Lanarkshire School Transport Policy shift is a complex balancing act: reducing costs, ensuring safety, and maintaining accessibility for students across the council. While the reforms are designed with the best of intentions, the real‑world impact will depend on careful implementation, transparent communication, and active collaboration between schools, parents, transport operators, and the council. As the policy rolls out over the next few months, staying informed and engaged will be key to ensuring that children’s daily journeys remain safe, reliable, and affordable.