A pilot project to increase the school transport provided directly by Inverclyde Council for pupils with additional support needs (ASN) has been rubber-stamped.
Members of the education and communities committee agreed to test an extension of the internal transport service to boost capacity and cut costs last Tuesday.
As part of the trial period, the local authority will buy four new buses and take on drivers so it can deliver more ASN transport in-house.
It is currently provided in a number of different ways such as bus or taxi, by private and charitable providers, and the internal transport service.
Approximately a third of ASN transport is provided internally but that will increase to around half through the additional vehicles and staff.
Labour councillor Jim Clocherty, convener of the education and communities committee, said: “We have to ensure we can continue providing transport to those who need it in the most cost-effective way for the council and ultimately taxpayers.
“That’s what the review looked at and the recommendation is to pilot an increase in provision through the council’s own internal transport service to create more capacity and help reduce growing costs.
“It seems like a sensible approach that would also provide more flexibility and the potential for buses to be deployed to support other uses.”
As well as creating more capacity to deal with growing demand for ASN transport, the pilot is expected to help reduce spending.
The cost of ASN transport has gone up by 75 per cent in the last five years from over £735,000 in 2020/21 to almost £1.3 million in 2024/25. The spend is projected to top £1.6m during 2025/26.
It is anticipated the trial will begin in August 2026 to allow for time to acquire new buses and hire drivers and deliver an initial saving of almost £14,000.
Currently, free transport is provided to all pupils with additional support needs who attend Craigmarloch School.
Transport is also provided to pupils with ASN who have been assessed as requiring it in settings such as Hillend Children’s Centre, Lomond View Academy, communication and language bases and mainstream settings.
Children and young people who need transport to meet a short-term need are also supported.
