October 05, 2026 - 170 views
A North Wales politician is calling on the Welsh Government to take action to support home-to-school transport operators facing rising fuel costs.
Clwyd MS Darren Millar has raised the issue in the Senedd, saying thousands of families rely on school transport, particularly in rural communities where alternative options can be limited.
He says some transport operators are reporting fuel cost increases of between 20 and 30 per cent, while the average purchase price of fuel is now 45 per cent higher than before March 2026.
Mr Millar says councils across North Wales have been keeping local transport businesses informed about the situation, but some are waiting for national guidance on what support can be provided.
He is calling on the Welsh Government to issue clear guidance to local authorities and take action to prevent rising costs from putting school transport services at risk.
“Home-to-school transport is a service that thousands of families rely on, especially in rural communities where alternatives are limited,” he said.
“Transport operators cannot continue to absorb sustained losses without putting services at risk.”
Home-to-school transport is primarily the responsibility of local authorities, with the Welsh Government recognising the importance of ensuring learners can travel safely and affordably.
The issue of rising costs for school transport operators has previously been raised in the Senedd, with evidence highlighting fuel price volatility and significant increases in the cost of providing services.
Mr Millar said national direction was now needed to help councils and operators deal with the latest increase in fuel costs.
