Parents and campaigners are set to gather in Pontypridd this weekend to challenge a controversial decision on school transport by Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council.
A public meeting organised by the Save School Transport RCT group will take place on Saturday, October 4, at the YMa building in Pontypridd, opposite the RCT Council’s offices. Due to high demand, two sessions will be held, running from 11 am–12.30 pm and 12.30 pm–2 pm.
Campaigners say the policy, which requires some pupils to walk up to three miles to school, fails to consider children’s health, safety, and well-being. Concerns raised include children walking long distances in poor weather, arriving at school soaked through, and the risks of road safety and pollution around schools.
Under Welsh Government statutory guidance, local authorities must provide free transport for primary pupils living over two miles and secondary pupils living over three miles from school. Campaigners argue that councils also have a duty to take account of route safety and adverse weather, not just distance.
Once pupils arrive at school, staff should act quickly to safeguard children’s health if they are wet. Do schools have robust care policies in place to ensure children are not left in damp clothes? Is this something that is overlooked?
The Save School Transport RCT group said in a statement on social media:
“Spread the word – this is important. We need to stand together and make sure children’s rights and welfare come first.”
Organisers have confirmed that names will be taken for each session due to capacity restrictions and that DBS-checked volunteers will be present to support families.
The campaigners say their ultimate aim is to persuade RCT Council to reverse the policy, which they argue is both misguided and unsafe.
The clocks go back on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at 2am
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