Buses are free for all pupils under 16, this service is provided by TfL. The council believes this free service is enough to meet the transport needs of students traveling to school by bus within a reasonable journey time.
In accordance with the Department for Education guidelines a reasonable journey is:
- primary school: a journey time of no more than 45 minutes each way
- high school: a journey time of no more than 75 minutes each way
Information about free travel and how to obtain a Zip Oyster photocard is on the TfL website
Travel assistance for low-income families
Low-income families are those who get income based free school meals or receive the maximum level of Working Tax Credit. You can apply for travel assistance for children aged 5 to 16 from low-income families.
The child's parent or guardian should read the Ealing Council travel assistance policy before filling out the travel assistance application form
Once complete, send the form and any necessary documents, to the school admissions team.
Different transport rules apply for children with special educational needs (SEND).
If you want to apply for a child with SEND please see the travel assistance information on the Ealing Families Directory
