A campaign group fighting to protect school transport provision in Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) has expressed frustration after a Senedd petitions committee agreed to close their petition as the parliamentary term comes to an end.
The decision was confirmed during a committee meeting earlier today, marking the second time the issue has been closed due to the end of a Senedd term. A similar situation occurred in 2021 before the previous elections.
Tina Collins, representing the “Save The School Transport RCT Campaign,” said campaigners had written to the committee ahead of the meeting urging members to secure change before the upcoming election and to avoid further delays.
Speaking after the outcome, Collins questioned how many election cycles would pass before action is taken. She warned that increased traffic on local roads, caused by changes to school transport arrangements, could raise the risk of serious injuries and add further pressure on NHS services.
The campaign argues that school transport falls under public service funding rather than education budgets, and therefore should be protected accordingly.
Despite the petition’s closure, the group says it remains determined to continue its efforts. “We will not let this drop,” Collins said.
The “Save The School Transport RCT Campaign” continues to raise awareness through social media and community engagement as it considers its next steps.
Senedd Petition discussion below
https://www.facebook.com/reel/25059180057088162
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1211655150190004
Postscript:
This is the second time our petition has been closed because the Senedd term is ending. How many more elections must pass before action is taken? Children’s safety cannot be put on hold.
With the Welsh Government elections in May, families will remember who stood up for safe school transport — and who allowed it to be delayed again.
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