Witham MP Priti Patel is raising concerns with the Government, Essex County Council and bus company Central Connect over increases to bus fares affecting school travel. Families have reported experiencing significant increase in fares, particularly for journeys to Plume, Honywood and The Stanway School. Priti said:
“The fare increases reported to me by parents have caused worry and distress, with many now concerned about how they will be able to cover these rising and above inflation costs. I have raised these cases with the bus company direct and have also escalated the matter to Essex County Council and to the Government. While we all know that costs are rising, some of these increases are eye-watering and families are feeling financial pressures as a result. Pupils in rural communities rely on buses to travel safely to and from school and it is vital that these essential travel costs are kept affordable.”
