The bus companies do not provide value for money for the pupils and students who use their services. Having to PAY in order to receive a concessionary(not even HALF fare) is so unfair and a burden on parents. Southend council recently conducted a survey and study into travel needs in Southend in the future. (naturally carried out by consultants-well it IS Southend)This study did not consult with parents of children using the bus services. How does this make the findings quantitive OR qualitative?
Southend is the poor relation of the Bus companies’ services. It barely warrents a mention on their web sites, parents or students cannot download forms on line or pay on line.

Season tickets are not linked to term times (you can only purchase weekly or 4-weekly) Season tickets are vaild 24-7, but services on many routes do not operate at evenings or weekends.

The bus companies need to value the student population who support their services. If parents decided not to pay for their children’s travel, how much would their profits drop?

I have 3 secondary school children and am paying £97.50 every 4 weeks. As my eldest is now 16, that will rise. For his 17th birthday, he will get a car and I will use the £1000 I will save, for his insurance and he will drive his siblings to school.

Wake up Bus Companies, you are reliant on students. Term time tickets, on-line purchase, student concessions. YOU DO THIS IN ESSEX-WHY NOT HERE??????