Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education on improving access to affordable transport for 16 to 18 year old further education students.

The Government recognises the importance of accessible transport to all young people and my Department continues to engage on a regular basis with the Department for Education and other Government Departments as well as local authorities and the transport sector on this issue.

The legal responsibility for transport to education and training for 16 to 19 year-olds rests with local authorities who are free to put in place appropriate arrangements. This enables them to make decisions that best match local needs and circumstances.

The new Enhanced Partnership powers in the Bus Services Bill would allow local transport authorities and bus operators to agree standard ticket rules, such as eligibility for half fares across operators.