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 six to twelve months, enabling them to get to college or training, look for work or hold down a job.
For more information and to apply, please visit the Somerset Rural Youth Project website.
Low Cost Mountain Bikes for Students
Somerset County Council is currently offering low-cost bicycles to students for the coming academic year. You can borrow a brand new mountain bike (worth £270) for just £40 for the year. At the same time, you pay a deposit of £75 and at the end of the year you decide if you want to return the bike and get your £75 back, or keep the bike. The bike will be delivered to you at college and you get free servicing during the year. The closing date for applications is 23 August to have the bike delivered in September. Go to www.movingsomersetforward.co.uk/bike-loan for more information and to apply.
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. The County Ticket application form for September 2012 is now available for download.
What support is available towards transport costs?
There will be support available towards the cost of travelling to Strode College in the academic year 2012-2013 through our 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, Berry's Coaches, South West Coaches, Hatch Green Coaches, Frome Minibuses Ltd, Ridlers Ltd, Quantock Motors (except service 39 & 300), Webberbus, Taylors Coaches, Smiths Coaches, Stagecoach South West, Libra Travel, Damory Coaches, First Hants & Dorset and First Somerset & Avon.
Slinky 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). Berry’s Superfast and National Express services cannot be used with this ticket.
Nippy Bus Ltd will only accept the pass for free travel anytime on College Days Only (passes will not be accepted for travel by this operator outside of these days).
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 is £600.00. There are various ways in which the ticket can be paid for, these are paying for the whole year. You can also pay in full by direct debit, over 9 months, with a cheque of £60.00 sent with the application.
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. In order for you to receive your ticket in time for the start of term, the County Council will need to have received and processed your application by 10 August 2012.
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 2 November. 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 or if your chosen course is unavailable from your nearest bus stop, then an allowance can be offered to get to an appropriate bus stop. You will then get an allowance of 18p per mile to and from the bus stop for each day you attend the 16+ establishment, up to a maximum annual payment of £135.00 per annum.
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!
