Contact Strode College
Transport
What transport help is available if I wish to attend Strode College?
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 or phone 0845 3459155.
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 operated by:
First, Bakers, Berkeley Travel, Berry’s Coaches, Cook’s Coaches, Frome Minibuses Ltd, Nippy Bus, Ridlers Ltd, South West Coaches, Stagecoach and Webberbus, as well as taxibus and Slinky services; if you are not sure contact the Admissions Office at Strode College on 01458 844444.
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 £505 per year. If you live in North East Somerset then the price will be £615 per year.
There are various way in which the ticket can be paid for, these are paying for the whole year and gaining a £40 discount by cheque or credit/debit card. You can also pay in full by direct debit, normally over 10 months, but there is no discount. Pass protection insurance is a further £50. You may find it prudent to check your household contents insurance to see if the loss of your pass is covered before you purchase pass protection.
Is there any help available with the cost?
You may be entitled to claim the Education Maintenance Allowance, and should contact our EMA office on 01458 844472 to find out more.
When are the tickets valid from and to?
They will be valid from 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010.
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 2009. 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 you will have to pay the full price for a new one as the SCC still have to pay the bus company for their cost even if it is not returned to us. So it is essential that you keep it safe.
The SCC has introduced a Pass Protection scheme this year. This option is only available at the time of application and costs £50. This protection will cover you for one replacement ticket whether lost or stolen. If you decide not to take this option or your ticket is lost or stolen a second time, you will be expected to reapply and pay again in full.
