East Riding College Launches Free Transport Scheme

East Riding College is introducing a free transport scheme from September 2011 in a bid to support students who will be affected by the government’s withdrawal of the education maintenance allowance (EMA).

More than 70 per cent of the College’s full-time 16 to 18-year-old students currently receive an EMA, which is worth up to £30 a week, and spend much of the allowance of transport to and from the College.

There are concerns nationally about how students will be affected by the replacement of EMA with a more limited, “targeted” support, which is likely to be paid to fewer recipients.

In order to support students, the College has developed a free transport scheme which will be available to full-time students aged 16 to 18 who live more than two miles from the East Riding College site they attend.

Principal Derek Branton said: “We believe further education should be accessible to all young people and our new free transport scheme aims to ensure that travel to the College does not become a barrier to learning following the withdrawal of EMA.

“The East Riding is a rural area so the cost of transport is often a major issue for residents but we are confident that the combination of public services and dedicated college routes will enable students to continue their education.”

EMA is currently paid to 16 to 18-year-old students whose household income is below a certain level and is paid at up to £30 per week. It is intended to help pay for costs associated with study, such as transport, books and specialist kits or clothing. Its abolition was announced when the government launched its comprehensive spending review in October.

Terms and conditions apply to the College’s free transport scheme and separate arrangements are already in place for people aged 19 and over.

For more information about East Riding College courses, the free transport scheme and support for learners from low income families, visit the web site or call 0845 120 0037.