Moray Council agrees changes to Home to School Transport Policy

More than 500 people took part in the consultation, which asked for views on walking distances, parental expense payments, and safety of walking routes. 

The consultation also looked at how pupils currently travel to school. It was found that around 59% use school transport, while 19% travel by car, 16% walk and smaller numbers use public buses or cycle.   

Overall, 61% of families said they qualify for school transport under the current rules. Responses were received from across all Associated School Groups, with the highest number coming from the Speyside area. 

The main changes agreed are: 

• Walking distances – free school transport will be provided where pupils live more than two miles from their primary school or three miles from their secondary school and dependent on the individual route. This creates a consistent approach across all Moray secondary schools and brings the region into line with national statutory guidance and other neighbouring councils. 

• Expense payments for parents – the council will explore offering parents and carers mileage-based expense payments where this is more practical and cost-effective than running small vehicle contracts in rural areas. 

• Walking routes – the council will continue to provide transport where there is no safe walking route available.  

Cllr Kathleen Robertson, Chair of the Education, Children’s and Leisure Services Committee, said: “We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views, as this feedback has been helpful in shaping the decisions we’ve made. Although not all changes will be agreeable it will help us deliver a service that is fair, safe, and financially sustainable, while also reflecting the needs of both rural and urban communities. Our priority is making sure we can support parents and carers to get their children to school safely and reliably.” 

The updated policy will be in place before the next round of school transport contracts begins in April 2026.