IT was with some dismay that we learned that the main providers of our bus transport – on which many of our students depend for travel to and from school – intend increasing their fares.

From September it is proposed that a single ticket will cost £1.50 and a day return £2.30, with half termly passes available at £65 and termly passes at £115.

However, we were delighted with a new initiative being introduced this year by Worcestershire County Council’s transport department which enables parents and carers living in certain areas to save money on their children’s transport to and from school by purchasing a new type of bus pass, the Severn Card.

The county has been divided into four ‘zones’, one of which covers the majority of our area – Kiddermin-ster and the Wyre Forest – meaning that many of our students can now benefit from the cheaper travel brought about by purchasing a Severn Card.

There are various options available including a half termly Severn Card which saves about £84 per year and can be used only during term and a termly Severn Card costing £100 which saves about £114 per year and can be used during the half term holidays.

However, the one that saves the most money is the annual Severn Card which costs £280 but should save at least £134 per year and can be paid for by nine monthly direct debits of £33.

Moreover, the annual pass can be used by students throughout the year, so for all the school holidays – including the summer break – they can travel anywhere within the designated zone.

In this age of constantly rising costs it’s good to hear of ways to ease the burden a little.

Further details can be found by calling 01905 765765 or at www.worces tershire.gov.uk/schooltransport