West Sussex County Council Post-16 Transport Consultation

Added: 20th April 2020

West Sussex County Council asks for views each year about its Post-16 Transport Policy Statement. This outlines the help and information that is available to 16-19s from transport operators and the Council and the details and link to the consultation are below. The policy sets out the help that is available through the council, schools, colleges and transport operators for young people of sixth-form age in and those who are 19+ with an Education Health and Care Plan to get to school/college.

This year the consultation also includes a proposal to stop a rail scheme now that a new national scheme is being widely used by sixth-form age students. The Sussex Student Card, run by West Sussex County Council in partnership with East Sussex and Brighton & Hove councils and Southern Rail, offers a 34% discount on rail travel for further education students. Since the Department for Transport launched its own card offering 50% discount on rail travel for 16 to 17 year olds, the number of applications for the Sussex Student card have dropped by 94 per cent.

This year in particular the Council is asking for the public’s view on any impact that discontinuing its rail scheme would have.

Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “Our Sussex Student Card had been popular but we are finding that most are using the 16-17 card and enjoy more of a saving.

“But we appreciate that everyone’s circumstances vary and we are keen to understand the impact of any decision we make, so I encourage those who are already using either card, or those might use it in future to give us their views.”

While the level of discount available with the 16-17 Railcard varies depending on individual circumstances, such as date of birth and length of course, it is estimated that most young people will save more than if they used the Sussex Student card.

The consultation is now open and available online here and runs until 15 May 2020. All responses will be considered before the council’s Post 16 Transport Policy statement is published at the end of May. If you wish to reply on behalf of your organisation you can also email the address below.

Yours sincerely,

Post-16 Transport Team

Tel: 03302223588

The Grange, 2nd Floor, County Hall, Chichester. PO19 1RG

Email: Post16Travel@westsussex.gov.uk Web: www.westsussex.gov.uk