Public Meeting and Anger Grows Over RCT Council’s School Transport Cuts

A well-attended public meeting of the Save the School Transport RCT Group was held in Pontypridd this week, drawing parents, grandparents, and campaigners from across Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT). Attendees were united in their criticism of the Council’s recent decision to scale back free home-to-school transport.

The group, which has seen rising attendance at its meetings, accuses RCT Council of making a political choice rather than a financial necessity. Campaigners questioned how the Council could justify cutting a service that directly affects pupils and families when other areas of government spending continue to grow.

Critics at the meeting argued that, compared to overall Welsh Government spending, the £2 million annual “saving” by RCT Council from school transport cuts is insignificant. “Why is there no money for something as basic as getting children safely to school?” one parent asked. “These are political choices. They didn’t have to cut school transport.”

Campaigners also pointed to the Council’s long-term policy of merging smaller schools into larger ones — a move that has forced many pupils to travel further.

Tina Collins, representing the Save the School Transport RCT Group, announced that the group’s petition—signed by more than 11,000 people—has now closed and will be submitted to the Senedd, with a request for it to be debated as a matter of urgency.

Ms Collins and the four young ladies who have helped organise and promote the campaign. They’ve put in countless hours of work to keep everyone informed.

Attendees noted that no Labour councillors were present at the meeting.

The group says it will continue to push for transparency and accountability in how RCT Council allocates its funds and prioritises essential services.