Bus company U-turns on £594 school price hike

Parents angered by a £594 rise in the cost of their child's annual bus pass have been offered a new rate after a backlash.

They faced paying £999 for the upcoming academic year - a rise from £405 - for the 907 Central Connect route from West Bergholt to The Stanway School in nearby Colchester.

Mother-of-two Katie Philp told the BBC she felt like she was "drowning" with little time to find the extra money.

Central Connect, which blamed pressure from rising fuel costs, climbed down from the move on Friday and said an annual pass would now cost no more than £775.

Managing director Peter Nathanail said it followed reflection on "the very challenging situation" parents had been put in.

The company is also increasing the cost of school bus passes on its other routes in Essex, but West Bergholt residents were faced with the biggest jump.

Nathanail's firm has been locked in a row with Essex County Council - which it operates services for - over its finances.

The loss-making 907 service is propped up by the Reform UK-led authority, but Nathanail argued subsidies had not kept track with rising costs.

"[This] causes us significant difficulty due to the steep and unexpected increases we have faced in our fuel prices," Nathanail said.

He later added: "Had Essex County Council engaged with us properly, we could have explored alternative solutions to avoid needing to pass such significant increases on to passengers."

The council previously told the BBC it had not received any "formal requests" from Central Connect for help with fuel costs.

However, the company has shared two emails - including one headed "request for support" - where it warned the council of "significant fare increases" without more help.

Parents have been asked to pay £375 for the autumn term, while Central Connect lobbies for more support.

If no deal is forthcoming, then there will be two further £200 charges.

Some families qualify for free school transport under criteria set by the government.

Mark Webster, the county councillor responsible for highways and infrastructure, said Central Connect's contract would be reviewed in due course.

"Central Connect is the only provider which chose to increase its fares to such a scale. We have not faced this issue with any other providers," he said.

"This was a disappointing decision which targets local children and families.

"Especially before the start of the new school term, when many families will have already budgeted and made travel arrangements."

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