School transport

We provide free transport to and from school for eligible pupils.

The Council provides free home to school transport for:

• all primary pupils who live more than one mile from their catchment school (by the recognised shortest safe walking route) 
• for secondary pupils who live more than two miles from their catchment school (by the recognised shortest safe walking route). 

At present, we have a more generous policy than we are legally obliged to provide. We may change this policy at any time. 

Additional support needs

We may make arrangements for free home to school transport for children with additional support needs. Find our more about transport for children with additional support needs.

If your child requires school transport in medical grounds, you must submit a request in writing. Please include a medical certificate from your GP or medical consultant to support your application. The request may be assessed by a community medical officer.

Application

Please complete the online application form. More information is available in the information leaflet.

If you are successful you will receive an email or letter with details of the pupil’s school transport when the pupil is allocated.

If you haven't received an email or letter please email school.transport@spt.co.uk.

Once you have been successful we will automatically re-issue passes at the start of each school year.

There are certain times when free transport may not be provided. Pupils not automatically entitled to school transport include: 

• pupils attending a college
• pupils living in West Dunbartonshire but who go to school in another council area because of a placing request
• pupils living in another council area but who go to school in West Dunbartonshire
• placed in their school due to a placing request.

Placing requests

We do not provide transport for pupils in receipt of a placing request other than in exceptional circumstances. Therefore, you should make the necessary transport arrangements to make sure your child gets to school safely.

'Privilege' or spare seats may be available for children who are not entitled to free school transport. However, this privilege will be removed if needed by a child with full entitlement. You must apply for a privilege seat at the start of each school session by writing the Educational Services.

If you live outside West Dunbartonshire then apply to your Council for free transport.

Appeals

You can appeal our decision by writing to:

Senior Education Officer
Education, Learning and Attainment

West Dunbartonshire Council

16 Church Street

Dumbarton

G82 1QL

Please include the reason you wish to appeal the decision.

Find out more about:

Application for a transport contract

Information on how to apply for mainstream and additional support needs transport contracts in West Dunbartonshire.