Campaigners are calling on residents across Rhondda Cynon Taf to show support at a key council meeting on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, at 4 pm, as anger grows over changes to home-to-school transport already introduced by RCT Council.
Despite widespread public concern, the council has pressed ahead with a new policy restricting free school transport to pupils living three miles or more from their nearest suitable secondary school. Many families now face long, unsafe walks or costly daily transport bills.
The Plaid Cymru group has tabled a motion to the full council meeting, urging members to reconsider the changes and to acknowledge the impact on children and parents across the county. The meeting will take place at the Council Offices, Pontypridd, and will include a statement from a 15-year-old student, directly affected by the decision.
The Save the School Transport RCT Campaign, led by local parents, is asking residents to attend the meeting, watch online, or gather outside the offices to show visible support.
Campaign spokesperson Tina said:
“These changes have already hurt families across Rhondda Cynon Taf. Children are being forced to walk miles along unsafe routes, and many parents are struggling to afford daily bus fares. This isn’t fair, every child deserves safe, equal access to education.”
A petition to the Welsh Government calling for a nationwide review of school transport policy has now gathered over 11,700 signatures and is under formal consideration by the Senedd’s Petitions Committee. Campaigners hope this will increase pressure on RCT Council to revisit its decision. Save the School Transport RCT Campaigners are waiting on a response from them the petitions committee after they wrote to them on the 7th October.
“This isn’t just a local issue, it’s happening across Wales. We need a consistent, fair policy that puts children first,” Tina added.
Residents are encouraged to show support by:
- Attending the meeting in Pontypridd or watching online via the council website.
- Sharing posts from the Save the School Transport RCT Campaign on social media.
Contact: Save the School Transport RCT Campaign
[email protected]
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