Changes to post-16 school and college transport in Merthyr Tydfil are being considered by the council, potentially saving over £40,000. A report set for discussion recommends altering the service to provide free transport solely to The College, Merthyr Tydfil, Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun for Welsh-medium education post-16, and St John Baptist Church in Wales High School for statutory education attendees. This proposal includes eliminating transport to Coleg Y Cymoedd in Ystrad Mynach/Aberdare and Bridgend College in Pencoed, with a projected saving of £42,000. The consultation revealed that 39% of respondents favoured this option.
On the other hand, the most popular choice among the public, with 52% support, was to maintain the current service. Post-16 transport is a discretionary service, not mandated by law, and providing free transportation is deemed above statutory requirements. The aim is to make post-16 transport more efficient and sustainable, aligning with financial saving objectives identified during a council service review.
Presently, free transport is offered to pupils attending The College, Merthyr Tydfil, and for courses not available there, transport is provided to Coleg Y Cymoedd (Ystrad Mynach and Aberdare campuses) and Bridgend College (Pencoed College). Learners going out of county for Welsh-medium or faith education will continue to receive transport accordingly. The service includes dedicated learner transport or travel passes for public transport.
Concerns raised during the consultation highlighted potential negative impacts on education, health, barriers to learning, environmental sustainability, and access to courses outside The College, Merthyr. If approved, the changes will be implemented from September 2025 for new students, while current post-16 learners will retain free transport for their full course duration. The transition to the new system will yield staggered financial savings, starting from zero in 2025-26 and increasing to £42,235 by 2027-28.
The proposal is part of ongoing efforts to streamline services and achieve cost efficiencies. Despite the potential savings, the decision-making process acknowledges the diverse considerations and implications, aiming to balance financial prudence with educational access and student welfare.