Young persons' free bus travel scheme
With the introduction of free bus travel for young people aged 5-21 from 31 January 2022, please note that we are still providing the subsidised transport scheme. Invoices will require to be paid for transport for school term 2021/22 up to June 2022.
As at 31 January 2022, it is unclear if local services have the capacity to provide the transport at peak times, and by retaining our dedicated subsidised service we are continuing to offer parents a choice in the matter, as well as providing peace of mind. Our subsidised provision guarantees young people a seat on dedicated transport and ensures they get to and from school at the relevant times.
However, if you wish to cancel your subscription for this service you must return your photo ID pass to the school reception and they, in turn, will inform the School Transport Section who will arrange cancellation of the account from the date of return of the pass.
Please note: Returning the subsidised pass will mean that your child is no longer able to access the dedicated school transport service and will require to use the local public service with their National Entitlement Card.
Notes for parent and carers
1. You do not require to submit a new application if your child received free school transport for school term 2020/21 due to:
- staying more than 1.5 miles from primary school
- staying more than 3.0 miles from secondary school
- safety reasons, there being no suitable walking route
Your child will remain registered for free transport until the end of their P7 year or S6 year.
2. You should submit a new application for:
- new P1 pupils who require transport for 2022/23
- new S1 pupils who require transport for 2022/23
Applications for subsidised school transport (for pupils who stay between 1.5 and 3 miles from their catchment secondary school) are not being accepted at this time due to system updates.
Apply online
If your child requires transport to school from August 2022, you can apply using the online form below. Please note that before applying you will need to register for an Our East Ayrshire account if you do not already have one.
School transport online application form
Free transport
We will provide free transport for all primary pupils who live 1.5 miles or more from their local primary school (by the recognised shortest suitable walking distance) and to secondary pupils who live 3 miles or more from their local secondary school (by the recognised shortest suitable walking distance).
This policy remains more generous than that prescribed by statute and may be reviewed at any time.
Free transport may also be available on the grounds of a medical condition or in cases where a family has moved house at a critical stage of education. Download the Free School Transport leaflet (PDF 331Kb) for details.
If you feel your child qualifies for free school travel and you wish to take advantage of this option, please fill in the school transport online application form.
Subsidised transport service
This service is available to secondary school pupils who live between 1.5 and 3 miles from their catchment area school. Pupils can be registered for this service on an annual basis and there are various methods available for payment over the year.
Download further information about the subsidised transport scheme (PDF 172Kb)
If you feel your child qualifies for subsidised transport and you wish to take advantage of this option, please fill in the school transport online application form.
Privileged seat availability
Subsidised privileged seats may be available if there is spare capacity on existing school transport contracts.
Download further information about the privileged seat scheme (PDF 257Kb)
If you feel your child qualifies for a privileged seat and you wish to take advantage of this option, please fill in the school transport online application form.
Should your child suffer an injury which results in a short-term requirement for transport to and from school, it may be possible to arrange this. In the first instance, please contact your child's school. Please note that a letter from their doctor may be required.