Several years ago, parents contacted the Labour Group concerned about the high cost of bus travel for young people going to school.
Labour Group members supported the parents and ran a high profile campaign for half price bus fares, in the face of the Tories’ ludicrous claims that it would cost £9 million, and the proposal was eventually adopted.
Since then, Labour Group members have proposed free bus travel for young people up to age 18 years who are in full time education and called on the Council to investigate the costs.  The Tories trotted out the same arguments they had initially used against half price bus fares: it would be too expensive; that other services would have to be cut; that it was a matter of priorities. 
I was not surprised by the Conservative administration’s refusal to even investigate and cost a measure that would make life easier for parents and improve public transport usage.
It fits in with many of their recent actions.  The introduction of charges for companion bus passes for those accompanying people with disabilities, which they wouldn’t reduce even when the national Ombudsman found them guilty of maladministration.  The on-going saga of Chatham’s new bus station, which is being rushed through at the last moment to secure the funding and where a contractor has been appointed before the plans have even been agreed.
The Tories also continue to support yellow buses.  Whilst not objecting to the principle of the scheme, it is simply unfair that the Tories spend £300,000 subsidising a few hundred children, mainly from the Leader and Deputy Leader’s wards,’ going to school and yet only spend £60,000 on half price fares for all other children.  The Tories have a £6 million fund for pet projects, but claim they cannot find the money for free bus travel. When it comes down to a matter of priorities: the Labour Group supports improving public transport and increasing its use.  The Tories’ message is don’t expect a functioning bus station, and don’t expect to afford public transport if you’re disabled or young.