Transport to college when the bus is no longer going to run there?

[hoobypickypicky]

I'm asking this for a friend (no, honestly!).

This is in relation to full time post 16 (college) education where the 17 year old pupil is attending the nearest college offering his course.

Currently the only service which caters for the pupil's journey is the public bus. He takes the earliest bus from his village and transfers where it terminates onto another to reach college. The council and bus company are proposing a change to the established village service which means that if it goes ahead there will be no way that he can get into college on time.

At present he has a bus pass provided by the council to get him to and from college. It's a free pass on the basis of the family's low income.

What happens if the service is replaced by the proposed new timetable? Is the council under any obligation to provide him with the practical means to get to college (e.g. a taxi or similar)?

He and his father aren't trying to get a taxi provided for him out of an unwillingness to accept an alternative. Like much of their village they're anxious to keep the bus service as it is and are submitting objections to the council right now with their reasons for needing it. But if the council press ahead regardless where does the family stand?

Have you heard about Wheels to Work?
I really hope that there is funding help because there is a big difference between a free bus pass and a £20pw scooter hire. Mind you, looking on the bright side, if he has transport then he can get a p/t job.

If the local authority are willing to pay for the hire, insurance, protective clothing, fuel and training necessary I'm sure that the lad and his father would consider it (although personally I think the route far too dangerous for an inexperienced kid on a moped), senua. Unless that's so it won't be an option.

I'm sorry to sound so negative but that's the reality of it.

He should speak to the college. There could be, or have been, other students in a similar predicament.

Also consider raising it with the local newspaper, news channel, radio, etc. That might engender more public support to keep the buses as is.

If he's 17 and capable of studying at college I don't see why he wouldn't be capable of riding a moped to get there. Does he have a disability that would prevent that?
What's he going to do when he has to travel to work?
What's the difference in his potential arrival time and the course start time? If a lot of students are affected by the public transport changes the college might consider a later start.