To all, except DCC, it was evident that new school transport arrangements were unfit for purpose. Chaos was predictable.

Most discontent stems from the county’s decision to ignore national guidelines when adopting the school transport policy on May 4.

The guidelines were designed to harmonise students in education across the country.

By ignoring them DCC is discriminating against rural families.

Removing 1,000 concessionary fares on school buses created a shortage of capacity, which it expected other operators to supply. Advertising non-existent concessionary seats raised expectations that arrangements were unchanged this year.

Charging £150 more as sixth formers lost the Educational Mainten-ance Allowance was unforgiveable. Expecting small country buses to cope with 1,000 extra passengers was guaranteed to overload available capacity.

Scheduled buses are full, leaving school children at the road side on unlit highways, even if they have paid the yearly fare of up to £750 pounds per year.

There are no student discounts.

National guidelines state that: 1: Rural students should not be financially disadvantaged compared to their urban peers 2: Rural dwellers should not be disadvantaged by living in areas with poor public transport 3: Rural pupils should be treated as vulnerable as compared to disabled students and those not in employment, education or training.

4: Distance is a factor when deciding eligibility for school transport assistance.

All ignored by DCC.

We had a time-proven school transport system. DCC needs to re-instate the old system. Stop tinkering with this system which is beyond salvation. It’s failing towns and countryside. I recall no consultation over these changes, which guidance says there should have been.

DCC estimate savings of 10.7million km and 2,182 tonnes of carbon dioxide per year if parents used their nearest school. DCC’s current figures put the average cost at £930 per year for the school run by car!

A very good deal, compared to £750 per year.

Sixth formers will be casting their first votes at the next county council elections. Councillors beware! You may need them more than they need you.

At election time there will be no cherry picking the results you would like in the same way as you have the national guidelines on transport in education.

Peter A Read, Warmwell Road, Crossways