Key Arguments from the Senedd Debate (14 Jan 2026)
1. Petition Background and Public Concerns
- The petition called for a review of all guidance on home-to-school transport in Wales, arguing that children should be able to access education without struggle — including safe, affordable transport rather than long walks or costly buses.
- It cited examples of pupils walking long distances (e.g., over an hour one way) carrying heavy bags and noted that unsafe walking routes and lack of transport can worsen attendance and inequalities.
Link to official petition page:
To review all guidance on Home to School Transport for all of Wales (P-06-1555) — Senedd Petitions site
2. Public Safety, Equity, and Access Arguments
Many Members of the Senedd highlighted concerns similar to those raised by petitioners before and during the debate:
Safety and well-being
- Campaigners and some MSs pointed out that expecting young children to walk long distances — especially in poor weather or on roads without safe paths — is impractical and unsafe.
Economic and social equity
- The cost of transport can disproportionately affect low-income families, forcing tough choices between food and travel costs, or limiting employment options for parents.
Barriers to education
- Transport issues were described as barriers to attending school — contributing to absenteeism and limiting opportunities for post-16 options and Welsh-medium/faith education.
Before the debate, news reports summarised these wider campaign concerns:
Senedd set to debate ‘absurd’ school transport rules — Nation.Cymru report
3. Broader Policy Context Discussed
Senedd Members also referenced wider debates and evidence around transport policy:
Learner Travel Legislation
- The framework for free home-to-school transport comes from the Learner Travel (Wales) Measure 2008, setting distances (e.g., 2 miles for primary, 3 miles for secondary) and duties on local authorities to provide free transport.
Guidance vs Legislation
- Petition P-06-1555 focused on guidance under, rather than within, the law — but both are linked: guidance explains how local authorities should apply the legal framework.
Previous Senedd discussions
- A learner travel debate in March 2025 noted the Welsh Government was consulting on updated guidance and looking at broader transport challenges.
4. What Happened in the Chamber
- The Senedd formally noted the petition and its 11,790 signatures, acknowledging the strength of public interest as required under Senedd rules.
- Members from across parties took part, but the debate did not immediately change law — rather, it kept the issue on the political agenda and put pressure on Ministers and committees to consider next steps.
- A procedural point of order was raised during the debate about language used by a Member (Lee Waters), and the Deputy Presiding Officer asked for withdrawal of the comment, which was complied with.
Link to the official Motion (NDM9101) for the debate:
Senedd Motion NDM9101 – Motion to note the petition and debate details
Watch or Read the Full Proceedings
Senedd debates are recorded live and transcripts are published shortly after.
Summary Takeaways
Public concern was clearly acknowledged — the petition triggered a formal debate as designed in the Senedd petitions process.
MSs highlighted safety, equity, and access issues consistent with campaign arguments raised before the debate.
No immediate legislative change resulted — but the debate keeps pressure on the Welsh Government as it updates guidance and develops transport policies.
The issue continues to be discussed across committees and in the wider learner travel policy landscape.
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