Contact Strode College
Transport
What transport help is available if I wish to attend Strode College?
Moped Loan Scheme
The Somerset Rural Youth Project’s Moped Loan Scheme aims to help young people break out of the transport trap by lending them a moped for up to six months, enabling them to get to college or training, look for work or hold down a job.
For more information, please read the Moped Loan Scheme booklet and apply via their application form.
County Bus Ticket
You can apply to the Somerset County Council (SCC) for transport support in the form of a student bus pass. It allows students who are attending college to travel on any local public bus service in Somerset, at anytime and to any place. Application forms are available from the Transport in Somerset, County Hall, Taunton, by phoning 0845 3459155 or request one online via the Somerset County Council website.
What support is available towards transport costs?
There will be support available towards the cost of travelling to Strode College in the academic year 2011-2012. Some students will continue to receive Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and others will receive support from the Strode College Travel Bursary.
Is there a limit to the distance I can travel?
The ticket is valid on all journeys that start and/or terminate within the administrative borders of the County of Somerset.
The ticket is valid on all public service routes including: First, Bakers, Berkeley Travel, Hatch Green Coaches, Frome Minibuses Ltd, Ridlers Ltd, Quantock Motors (except service 39 & 300), Webberbus, Taylors Coaches, Libra Travel, Damory and First Hants & Dorset, as well as Taxibus services.
The following operators will only accept these tickets for free travel before 09:00 and after 16:00 on college days only: (Tickets will not be accepted outside of these times/days for free travel) Nippy Bus Ltd, Southwest Coaches, Stagecoach South West, as well as Slinky. Berry’s Superfast and National Express services cannot be used with this ticket.
If you are not sure contact the Admissions Office at Strode College on 01458 844591.
You must be at the bus stop five minutes before the advertised departure time.
Am I eligible to get a ‘County Ticket’?
As long as you are attending a 16+ establishment and the Learning and Skills Council funds the course, or attending college as part of a work based learning course, you will be entitled to apply for a County Ticket. Strode College will be able to tell you if the Learning and Skills Council funds your chosen course.
What if I am unable to use public transport due to a disability, special need or medical problem?
You may still get assistance on an individual basis and should register your interest with Somerset Direct on 0845 3459155.
How much does it cost?
The cost of the ticket depends on which college you will be attending. If you are going to a college within Somerset and you live in Somerset, Wilts, Dorset or Devon then the price will be £535 per year. If you live in North East Somerset then the price will be £645 per year.
There are various way in which the ticket can be paid for, these are paying for the whole year. You can also pay in full by direct debit, normally over 10 months.
When are the tickets valid from and to?
They will be valid from 1 September to 31 August.
When should I apply for the ticket?
You should apply as soon as you have had an interview and an offer of a place here at the College. The deadline for applications is 18 July. Late applicants may not receive their tickets in time for the start of term.
What if I apply and then no longer require my ticket?
County Hall have an agreement with the bus companies that a refund can be given on tickets that have been returned up to 31 October. Therefore County Hall will be able to refund you a pro rata amount for the time used. After this date there will be no refunds available.
Will I be able exchange it for a petrol allowance?
No, petrol allowances are only available for students who live more than 3 miles from a bus stop. The allowance will only pay for your journey to your closest bus stop.
What happens if I lose my pass?
If you lose your pass or have it stolen, it will only be replaced once for a £10 administration charge. If the ticket is lost or stolen a second time it will not be replaced and must still be paid in full. If a replacement is still required then the only option is to start again with a new application and the full cost of another ticket will apply. If this is the case and you lose it twice, you may find it prudent to check your household contents insurance to see if the loss of your pass is covered. It is essential that you keep your bus pass safe!
