Instead of being provided with hired transport such as taxis, students that are eligible for assistance will be awarded a personal transport budget (PTB).
Here is everything you need to know.
What is a Personal Transport Budget?
A PTB is a sum of money provided to help parents and carers arrange the most suitable travel for their young person. Instead of a hired minibus or taxi organised by the council, families can choose what works best. Whether that's using a family car, paying for a private taxi, using public transport, or even funding wraparound care such as breakfast or after‑school clubs to help make travel arrangements easier.
The amount families receive will depend on the distance between their home and the young person’s place of education. Payments are made on the 15th of each month, for 11 months of the year (with no payment made in July).
Importantly, a PTB will not affect any benefits you may already be receiving.
Students with an education, health and care (EHC) plan
Families sometimes assume that transport is automatically provided when a young person has an education, health and care (EHC) plan, but this is not the case.
Students with an EHC plan must apply every year for post‑16 transport support. Eligibility will be assessed based on a number of factors, such as:
- Distance and accessibility
- Mobility or medical needs
- Financial hardship
- Religious or belief‑based considerations
- A named placement on an EHC plan does not guarantee transport support
If your young person is eligible, a PTB will be the standard offer. You can appeal if you feel this is not appropriate for your circumstances.
The 16+ Travel Saver card
Not everything is changing. The KCC 16+ Travel Saver Card will still be available for most learners aged 16 to 19. It offers unlimited bus travel across Kent, and some schools or colleges may subsidise its cost. Families on low incomes may also benefit from a reduced rate.
For some young people, particularly those growing in independence or travelling short distances, this card may become the most affordable and convenient option.
Support for adult learners (19+)
Adult learners will need to apply for bursaries from their education provider first. KCC may offer additional mileage payments only when bursary support isn’t enough to meet transport needs.
How to apply
Applications for additional support must be made each academic year.
The changes come in from September, but applications open after the February half term for new applications and renewals.
Read detailed guidance on how to apply online for post-16 transport assistance. You can also contact the post-16 transport team by emailing post16transport@kent.gov.uk
