Transport Partnerships

Local Authority-led Transport Partnerships exist throughout England to consider post-16 transport provision and transport issues within the local area. Partners may include the YPLA, Further Education Colleges and Higher Education Institutions, transport companies and authorities operating in the locality, public sector bodies, community groups, voluntary organisations and groups or organisations with an interest in disability issues.

Each Local Authority (LA) has a legal duty to publish their Transport Policy Statement for learners of sixth form age. The Policy Statement is designed to be the front facing element of the LA’s approach to transport provision and should be developed in consultation with local partners. The statement should set out what the LA’s overall transport policy is in regard to learners. It should also outline the actual transport services and support available to learners. Generally, the matters to which an LA must have regard to include: the time and distance between home and school/provider; the need to secure a choice of institutions and the needs of those who could not easily attend a particular institution if no arrangements were made (i.e. learners with specific religious needs or with a disability).

Policy Statements can, by their nature, be formal documents. Where this is the case, a plain English version should also be produced to provide a clear description of what is available from the learner’s perspective in the form of a summary.

The YPLA provides some funding to support Transport Partnerships so that they are able to test strategic and innovative transport solutions for learners of sixth form age. Some of the funding can also be used to support the cost of adult LLDD transport provision and for other purposes. Further detail is provided in the guidance.

An electronic forum has been developed by the YPLA for use by the Partnerships. This can be used as a peer to peer network, for sharing ideas, solutions and good practice in addressing transport issues. The site is password protected to ensure confidentiality and can be accessed at:

www.dcsf.gov.uk/financialhelp/16-19transport/forum/

There is a requirement to sign up for a password.

For full policy details for each Local Authority use our search in 'Your area'

It should be noted that the transport policies are owned by the individual LA and NOT the Young People's Learning Agency.