Free school bus rules face review as Fife Council struggles to save £90 million
Free school bus travel for hundreds of Fife school children could be axed as the council faces a desperate struggle to balance the books.
Some pupils could face the withdrawal of free buses.
Car parking charges could also be ramped up and subsidised public transport routes scrapped.
Critics condemned the proposals, insisting they would target vulnerable groups including the elderly, and warned that parking fee hikes could cripple the already fragile local economy.
Amid a squeeze on public sector budgets, council chiefs confirmed a whole raft of cuts will be considered as they battle to find savings of around £90 million by 2015.
The local authority will set its annual budget in February, but it is already clear that a number of potentially controversial decisions could be in the pipeline.
Among changes set to be considered is eligibility for free transport to school.
The council provides a free service for those living more than two miles from their local school. However, changing that to three miles — the national statutory level — would, council chiefs have calculated, save around £1 million.
Figures released last year showed that 7,871 Fife pupils receive free transport. If the change was forced through, more than 2,000 could lose their entitlement.
Tony Martin, the chairman of the council's enterprise, environment and transportation committee, admitted some ''tough'' choices would have to be made.
''The challenge for us is to make sure we continue to deliver quality services to Fifers within today's financial constraints,'' Mr Martin said. ''Doing nothing is not an option — we have to change and reform.''
Subsidised bus routes will be ''reviewed'' and parking charges ''looked at,'' council chiefs warn.
Mr Martin is well aware that many of the decisions will not be popular.
''In an ideal world we wouldn't be considering any of these options,'' he said. ''However, we have to look at all of them if we are to continue to invest in our area's transport needs.''
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02.10pm - 15.12.2011 Eoin Ryan - Glenrothes, Scotland Report This
There are difficult issues for councils to address in their budgets next year. Labour's proposed budgets for the past two years didn't even add up. I would prefer to trust those who tell it straight than those who make promises that don't add up.
04.12pm - 15.12.2011 Fred Up! - Glenrothes, Scotland Report This
Cue more job cuts. And the mantra "do more with less!" Or in real terms, run the remain staff into the ground.
04.15pm - 15.12.2011 Fred Up! - Glenrothes, Scotland Report This
If Fife Council can afford to run the Fife Bus why not extend its service to area's where normal routes are not viable. 2 birds with 1 stone. Drop unsustainable routes = No free hand out to Stagecouch to run empty buses and savings using services already offered smarter.
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