South Wales Evening Post - 18 January 2007
Free bus travel could be scrapped for sixth formers using Gorseinon College and Gowerton schools.
Swansea Council is considering cutting free travel for students across the city.
The proposal was brought forward as part of the council's budget proposals last year but members decided against it. Now it has emerged that the plan is back on the table.
Upper Loughor councillor Darren Price labelled the idea a tax on education.
"This extra cost could be the difference in some households between deciding whether to attend a sixth form course, or instead enter employment and contribute to the family expenses," he said.
Cabinet member for education Mike Day said limited Assembly funding meant the council had to look at how savings could be made.
He added: "It is still under consideration. Consultation came to a close before Christmas."We need to come to a decision within the next month."
Swansea mother Hannah Jones from West Cross, whose 17-year-old son Ben attends Gorseinon College, said the proposal would hit many people hard.
She added: "This will add something in the region of £10 to £15 a week to my outgoings.
"I can just about afford it but I know a lot of people will struggle if this does go ahead.
"I think the worst aspect of it is that it could mean the difference between somebody attending college and further education or not.
"I know savings have to be found but it seems wrong to me that education should be hit like this.
"I think other avenues should be explored.''
