STUDENTS at Coleg Llandrillo have taken their fight for free bus passes to the National Assembly
A petition calling for free bus travel was presented to Clwyd West AM Darren Millar, who presented their case to the Assembly’s Petitions Committee last week.
Assembly Members have now opted to look into the proposal, and will carry out a video-link discussion with the students to gain further information on their plans.
Health and social care student Poppy Thomas, 16, put forward the proposal to Mr Millar on a visit to the college to earlier this month after being left short of money for food due to the cost of bus travel.
“I asked him why couldn’t we get free bus passes, and he said it was a good idea and that he would ask the Welsh Government,” Poppy said.
“He wrote back and said that they are now looking at it. I started a petition and the whole class signed it, there’s about 50 of us so far.”
“I work over the summer, I don’t get the Education Maintainance Allowance and you have to live within a three mile radius of the college for a free bus, and I live literally just outside of it.
“I pay £2.70 for a single, and it’s £4.70 for a return. I get £5 a day for food, and some days in the week I can get a lift there with one of my parents. But if I have to get a return, it leaves nothing for food.
Mr Millar said he was pleased that the proposal will be looked at in greater detail.
“Students at Coleg Llandrillo feel very strongly about this issue and it is only right that they should have the opportunity to a fair hearing from Assembly Members,” he said.