Pupils who lost passes get free travel to school

MORE than 60 pupils who saw their free bus passes withdrawn because of a change in council rules are celebrating a victory as they return to school today.

The youngsters will be allowed to travel on a free contract bus to Holy Rood High despite council bosses ruling earlier this year that only those living more than three miles away would qualify.

They are to receive the concession because their journey to school would otherwise involve a trip on two separate bus routes, with timetables that connect badly.

The decision to increase the limit from two to three miles is impacting on hundreds of pupils across the Capital - but only those travelling between Leith and Holy Rood High are set to receive the special dispensation.

It is not known exactly how long the pupils will receive the free travel as it is being billed as an "interim measure", but it is thought the arrangement is likely to be in place for at least this school year.

Holy Rood High in Duddingston is said to be the most affected by the change in travel rules - introduced to save money - due to its location, large catchment area and the fact it is "poorly served" by public transport.

The city council has also been working with Lothian Buses to improve public transport to the school, with the number 42 service extending from its usual terminus at King's Road, Portobello, to the Duke Street and Leith Links area in the morning and after school.

City education leader Marilyne MacLaren said: "We're pleased to be able to support these pupils who would have had an infrequent service and difficult route to contend with to get to school.

"Because of their situation we have been able to make grace-and-favour places on our contract service available on an interim basis."

But while the news will be welcomed by the parents of pupils now set to receive free travel, there are still hundreds more who fear they will miss out.

Karen Ritchie is worried about how her 14-year-old daughter Dionne will get to school now that she has had her bus pass removed.

She believes the ruling is unfair and feels "victimised" for choosing to send her daughter to Holy Rood.

Mrs Ritchie, who lives in The Inch - 2.67 miles away from the school - said: "This is going to affect between 100 and 150 kids in The Inch alone and over 260 in the whole school.

"I feel like I'm being victimised for being Catholic. If the Leith pupils going to Holy Rood are to get the free travel then we should all get it."

Leith councillor Gordon Munro said: "Whilst this interim measure is to be welcomed it needs to be made permanent.

"Parents need to know that their children will continue to travel from Leith to Holy Rood not just for the new term but for all terms."