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We have an initiative in place that offers discounted travel for schools taking part in extra-curricular activities – supporting school pupils’ access to educational, sporting and cultural activities.
A 50% discount on coach fares is available for primary and secondary school mini-buses (between 6.01 metres -8.00 metres in length) travelling on our ferries on extra-curricular activities. This also applies to the driver fare. For further information on these discounts, please visit our dedicated answers to most frequently asked questions below.
How do I make a booking for discounted travel for a primary/secondary school minibus travelling to extra-curricular activities?
On bookable routes - schools / local authorities should contact our travel trade team directly to book travel.
On non-bookable routes - schools / local authorities should contact our travel trade team or customer engagement centre or local port to arrange travel.
What level of discount will be applied on coach fares for primary and secondary school minibuses?
We offer a 50% discount on coach fares for primary and secondary school mini-buses, between 6.01 metres - 8.00 metres in length, including the driver fare - helping school pupils' access educational, sporting, and cultural activities.
What type of vehicle is the discount valid on?
The discount is valid on the Road Equivalent Tariff (RET) coach fare for buses between 6.01 metres - 8.0 metres and includes the driver.
Is this discount available on all routes?
Yes, this offer is applicable on all routes to all primary and secondary schools.
Can anyone make a booking?
No, bookings need to be placed by the school or local education authority.
On bookable routes - schools / local authorities are advised to continue to contact our travel trade team directly to book their tickets.
On non-bookable routes - schools / local authorities are advised to continue to contact our travel trade team or customer engagement centre or local port.
How long is this discount available for?
The initiative will be considered in the longer term as part of the fares policy review in the Island Connectivity Plan.
Are passengers travelling on the bus entitled to a 50% reduction in their passenger fare?
No, the discount is only applied to the bus and driver, not the passengers.
What size of vehicle is eligible for the school fares discount?
All school buses 6.01 metres - 8 metres are eligible for this discount.
What if my vehicle is 6.00 metres or under when booking travel as part of the school fares discount?
There is no change to the category for this type of booking. The booking should be charged at a 5.00 - 6.00 metre midi-coach, which is the 6.00 metre LGV & driver price.
Is there a limit on the number of bookings a customer can make as part of the school fares discount?
No, there's no limit on the number of bookings a school / local education authority can make.
Are pupils with scholar tickets eligible for a discounted passenger rate, if they are travelling on the bus?
No, this discount can only be applied to eligible school buses and the driver, rather than to passenger travel or to travel that's not in a school bus.
Are buses for consortium travel or essential commute to/from school eligible for the discount rate?
No - the discounted rate is for primary and secondary school buses travelling on extra-curricular activity e.g. sporting, educational or cultural events.
Are further discounts applied if a blue badge is displayed?
No - Blue badge discounts can only be applied to a car/motorhome/motorbike.
Are there any exclusions?
The discount extends to school buses with primary and/or secondary school pupils travelling for the purposes of educational, sports or cultural purposes; therefore, for example, school buses travelling with just a driver would not be eligible for the reduced rate.