Hi,
The cost of the school bus pass has risen over the years. My eldest was happy to get a pass for the town buses (Arriva) once he started year 10 and he was able to drive in the last year of 6th form.
My youngest has always got the private/contracted school bus which picks her up around the corner and drops her off in the school car park. However, the cost has gradually increased to over £350 a term. A town bus pass, on the other hand, would be £100 for the same time period plus she can use the town bus pass at weekends etc. Getting the town bus does involve a 15-20 minute walk to the school and I appreciate that the weather may be rubbish in the winter. The walk, is through a nice part of town. Hee brother and his friends did it with no complaints. She can be a little snobby and hates going in town buses so it may be just that. I know some of her old school friends (from primary) have been using the town buses at least a year. She is a quiet girl though so this may be the reason why she is reluctant. And, I suppose, I would worry more.
The school is the Catholic secondary school in town and has a wide catchment area so contracted buses come in from other towns etc. Most parents only use them for children in year 9 and below due to costs. Some don't use them at all. I can't take/pick her up due to my working hours and the fact that my job is in the opposite direction.
I'm trying to save some money here. I am going through a divorce so paying everything myself (including all of her uniform) as he dad doesn't pay towards anything. I'm also paying the solicitor £250 an hour!! And, all of the house costs as still in the family home. No mortgage though.
Am I being unfair to expect her, at 14, to start using the town bus?