School transport

Primary school pupils

We provide free school transport for primary school pupils who live one mile or more from their catchment primary school, measured by the shortest safe walking route.

Transport may be provided by:

• a bus pass for local bus services
• a contract bus hired for the service
• a small vehicle, such as a taxi, private hire car or minibus
• council‑owned transport, where appropriate

Primary school pupils may also be entitled to free transport if:

• they attend a specialist school or centre recommended by the council, or
• the walking route is considered unsafe under the West of Scotland Road Safety Forum guidelines.

Secondary school pupils

We provide free school transport for secondary school pupils who live three miles or more from their catchment secondary school, measured by the shortest safe walking route.

Transport on medical grounds

You can apply for transport on medical grounds where a pupil has mobility issues that prevent them walking to school, even when accompanied by a responsible adult.

Supporting evidence must be provided from an appropriate agency, such as:

• the NHS, or
• Social Work.

Please email documentation to school_transport@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

When submitting documentation, include:

• the child’s full name
• date of birth
• home address
• the name of the requested school

Important information about school transport

Pick‑up and drop‑off points

• transport is provided to the nearest reasonable pick‑up and drop‑off point.

Behaviour and responsibility

• parents and carers are responsible for getting their child to the designated pick-up point and for collection from the drop-off point on the return journey
• parents and carers are responsible for ensuring their child behaves safely and appropriately while travelling and when getting on or off the vehicle.
• school transport covers one return journey per day at the start and finish time of the school day. Transport home at lunchtime is not provided.

Placing requests and requests to remain

School transport will not be provided if your child:

• attends a school as part of a placing request, or
• remains at a school following a Request to Remain,

Walking route concerns

Anyone concerned about a walking route can request a safe walking route assessment.

How walking distance is calculated

Walking distance from home to school is calculated using a Geographical Information System (GIS) to ensure council policy is applied consistently across South Lanarkshire.

The system uses Ordnance Survey digital mapping, which:

• is the UK’s national mapping standard, and
• covers the whole of Great Britain.

For information on safe walking routes, email school_transport@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

How to apply

Application forms are also available by emailing school_transport@southlanarkshire.gov.uk

If your child does not qualify for free school transport, you may be able to apply for Privilege transport to school.