Labour demands urgent action on school transport
Labour demands urgent action on school transport - The Labour Party
- Time for a bike-to-school scheme
Labour’s Climate Spokesperson Ciarán Ahern TD has called for immediate action from Government to overhaul school transport following the publication of the Climate Change Advisory Council’s annual transport review which shows that one in five car journeys nationwide is for the purpose of education. With 773,000 primary and post-primary pupils unable to access the School Transport Scheme and half of students travelling to school by car, Deputy Ahern has said Government must urgently expand eligibility for school buses, better integrate school transport with public transport and roll out a bike-to-school scheme to tackle rising emissions and congestion.
Deputy Ahern said:
“Today’s report should ring alarm bells for anyone serious about cutting transport emissions. One in five car journeys being just for the school run means huge congestion in our towns and cities, poorer air quality around schools, and more carbon pumped into our atmosphere.
“It is not acceptable that 773,000 children have no access to the School Transport Scheme. Parents are forced to rely on cars because there is no viable alternative. The Council is right to call for an urgent expansion of school bus eligibility and for better integration with our public transport system, but we need to go even further.
“Labour has long said we need to make cycling to school a real option for every family. That means safer routes to schools, but it also means making bikes and e-bikes more affordable. We have repeatedly called for a reduction in VAT on bicycles, e-bikes and safety gear, and for the Government to pursue zero rating for this at an EU level.
“Government should also introduce a grant for cargo bikes and e-bikes through a car scrappage scheme. Families should not be penalised for choosing a more sustainable mode of travel.
“Crucially, we must develop an enhanced Bike to Work scheme with a dedicated cycle to school option so that families have practical support to make the switch from the car to the bike for the daily school run.
“Reducing car dependency for school journeys is an easy win for lowering emissions, cutting congestion and improving the air our children breathe. It’s time for real ambition from this Government — not just reports, but action that makes a difference to families every morning.
“We in Labour are calling on Government to bring in a dedicated bike-to-school scheme without delay and to expand and properly integrate school transport so that fewer families are forced into the car each day.”