STUDENTS over the age of 16 could have to pay to get the bus to school in Conwy.

The council has opened a consultation on the future of free school transport for those over 16.

Conwy Council currently provides free education transport for learners over 16 years old who attend schools or designated colleges.

Stopping the service altogether would save the county £420,000 a year.

But the council is looking at keeping it in place with students having to pay for the transport.

Conwy’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, Cllr Garffild Lewis said: “Like all other local authorities in Wales, Conwy County Borough Council is facing severe financial challenges as we look to balance the books again in the next financial year.

As part of an ongoing review of many of our services, we have launched a consultation on the future of free education transport for pupils over 16 years of age. This is a valued service, but one that the council is not required to provide free by law.

“I look forward to seeing the review and the consultation completed by September so that council members will be able to take a considered view on the future of the service.”

The consultation will look into whether learners would be discouraged from attending post-16 education if charges were to be made for their transport.

The results of the consultation will be reported back to councillors, who will make a decision based on the consultation in September.

Any changes would not come into force until September 2019.