Local authority school service

[Newbiedriver]

A quick question. Can a local authority operate a school bus service using a s19 permit but charge the pupils to use the service? This would not be a payment to the driver but on the basis of an annual payment to the local authority. Is this classed as Hire and Reward and therefore has to be an ‘O’ licence?

 

[JKP]

A quick question. Can a local authority operate a school bus service using a s19 permit but charge the pupils to use the service? This would not be a payment to the driver but on the basis of an annual payment to the local authority. Is this classed as Hire and Reward and therefore has to be an ‘O’ licence?

The short answer to your question is yes. The Local Authority is deemed as a not for profit organisation and therefore does not require an O licence. My local authority charges pupils for privilege lifts. That is rides at less than the statutory distance to qualify for free home to school transport. This is charged on a termly basis. The same authority also runs bus services all under section 22 permits so that members of the public can travel as per a commercial provider.