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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think a CHILD of compulsory school age

58 replies

Pricklypickup · 02/01/2013 09:45

Should not be charged adult price for their journey to school?

DD year 11 travels to school by train and bus, now for the last two terms of school has to pay adult price as she's had her 16th birthday.

This year is also the first year that have to stay in compulsory education until end of year 13.

Why on earth do they have to pay adult price to get to and from school? They're not earning, and there is no difference in her income from September to now.

Parents with summer born babies (July and August) I know there are many debates of the disadvantages of being born in the summer - I've found you an advantage they're classed as a child until they have completed their education!

OP posts:
HecatePropolos · 02/01/2013 09:48

Can she not get a discount card?

Where we are there's something called a B-line card, which gives you discounted travel until you're 18

RedHelenB · 02/01/2013 09:48

I'd raise this with your MP tbh. I agree there should be a discount on fares.

RedHelenB · 02/01/2013 09:50

Mind you, I'm sure my daughters pass lasts until sept (after she finishes yr!!)

Original poster
Pricklypickup · 02/01/2013 09:51

No discount card unfortunately.

Even the season ticket for the bus is only available for adult rates no child season ticket available (tried to find that last year).

OP posts:
usualsuspect3 · 02/01/2013 09:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

usualsuspect3 · 02/01/2013 09:52

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HollyBerryBush · 02/01/2013 09:52

Compulsory education until the end of Y12, not Y13.

That doesnt mean school either, college or apprenticeship counts as compulsory education.

usualsuspect3 · 02/01/2013 09:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

insancerre · 02/01/2013 09:54

YANBU
DDis 16 and has to pay full price for her travel which is unfair as she is stil at school and not earning a penny.
Our local bus company Blackpool Transport have now introduced a policy of no child fares after 9pm, which is unfair on those children out after 9pm.

MummytoKatie · 02/01/2013 09:55

Being an August birthday also meant I got free dental care and prescriptions until the end of 1st year university.

On the other hand I couldn't legally drink on A level results day.

But - yes - agree - should be able to get reduced price bus tickets until she can legally leave school.

Original poster
Pricklypickup · 02/01/2013 09:56

Oops my mistake re end of compulsory - but my point was ALL children will now be 16 if not 17 during their time in education.

OP posts:
5madthings · 02/01/2013 09:59

Yanbu our buses do a discount system for students.

BookFairy · 02/01/2013 10:00

Have you thought about getting a 16-25 railcard as 30% off rail travel really adds up? Disclaimer : I got mine for free when I opened a student account with Natwest so I have no idea how much they cost!

Original poster
Pricklypickup · 02/01/2013 10:01

Anyone know if 16-25 railcard is not allowed on short journeys?

I've just tried to price it up using that, and it's showing the same price as a standard return for an adult ticket and doesn't appear to give any discount.

OP posts:
ddubsgirl · 02/01/2013 10:02

brighton & hove buses have bus id that last till 18/19 so you get half price tickets.

TeaandHobnobs · 02/01/2013 10:08

There is a £12 minimum fare for train journeys starting before 10am (i.e.
peak travel) with a 16-25 railcard

ohfunnyhoneyface · 02/01/2013 10:08

16-25 won't work on short journeys.

It's disgusting that they haven't changed the age if child in line with the compulsory age of education.

I know at 16 she could work part time- but surely that only encourages employers to use 16 year olds as cheap part time workers and reduces their employment costs as they then don't employ an adult full time.

I agree, write to your mp.

BrigitBigKnickers · 02/01/2013 10:16

I agree- I was shocked when my DD turned 16 and her season ticket for the train doubled in price. However I have since discovered that the train company have a special deal for some schools which means we can continue to get child fares. You need to call up in advance but it's really worthwhile. Not just train companies round here but can also get bus passes on similar deals. I am surprised there is nothing similar where you are. Have you asked the school if they have any arrangements with local transport providers?

Remotecontrolduck · 02/01/2013 10:27

If she's year 11 she won't be going to school in July? Or much of June either. Not saying it's ideal that train bus fares increase at 16, but at least you won't be paying it for too long. My DD was a September birthday.....

Education is not compulsory either. They can still get a job, providing it comes with training. And it's still only to 17.

Enfyshedd · 02/01/2013 10:28

Couldn't she do what I did lots of kids in my experience do and lie about her age say she's 15?

Remotecontrolduck · 02/01/2013 10:30

Enfyshedd- That's what my DD did eventually. As long as you're in school uniform, they don't question it

GeneHuntsMistress · 02/01/2013 10:31

See your M.P. at their surgery, or write to them. It's something they can get changed.

onadifferentplanet · 02/01/2013 10:34

Another one confessing to lying. Actually Ds doesnt lie he just doesnt correct them when they give him a half as he is in uniform.
Ds is on a bursary at an Independent school, if he went to the local school he would get a 16-19 pass which gave him reduced fares despite filling all the criteria to get one the LA will not bend on the fact thats he is at an Indie but thats a whole other story.

anewyear · 02/01/2013 10:39

My son tells the bus drivers his real age 14y 3mths, but they choose not to belive him,
why, simply because hes tall, hes a millimeter or 2 off 6ft! and his voice has broken..
Apart from the height, he doesnt look or act like hes 16+ , Well not IMO!!

fuckadoodlepoopoo · 02/01/2013 10:44

They have to stay at school until they are 17 now? I didn't know that.