New innovations, efficiencies and revenue streams in times of austerity
The school transport sector faces increased demand, increased costs and reduced budgets, leaving many wondering how best to maintain the current level of service.
The drive to cut costs has been ongoing for a few years now, meaning many authorities have already reviewed their operations and delivered significant savings. It is therefore perceived that further savings are much harder to find.
Although the situation may appear bleak, many are exposing themselves as innovation leaders - finding new funding streams and tackling the ever-publicised issue of efficiency.
Now in its 10th year, this national conference for all those working in school transport explored emerging trends, heard the latest policy and guidance and shared best practice.
Programme
10:00
Ian Gwenlan,Chair - School Travel Executive, Association of Transport Co-ordination Officers
Welcome and introduction from conference Chair
Biography: Ian Gwenlan
What's on now:
10:05
The future of school transport and the Local Sustainable Transport Fund
Catherine De Marco, Head of the Local Sustainable Transport Team, Department for Transport
Panel question:
What lessons can be learnt so far from the Department for Education’s Efficiency and Practice Review?
How can we keep sustainability high on the agenda without school travel advisors?
Session speakers
How might the introduction of academies impact on demand on school travel?
What is your organisation doing to increase efficiency and meet budget cuts?
Session Speakers
Cross boundary arrangements to reduce the cost of SEN transport; Danny Nicholls, Transport Development Manager, East Riding of Yorkshire Council;
Funding Independent Travel Training; Marie Rooney. Independent Travel Advisor, North Tyneside Council.
Reducing the cost of post 16 transport:
Steve Roberts, Devon County Council |
Damien Jones, Passenger Services Manager, Devon County Council
Implementing behaviour change techniques to get young people to walk to school or college:
Susan Davies, School Travel Plans Co-ordinator, Caerphilly County Borough Council
How do we measure eligibility to ensure efficiency and will the withdrawal or exclusion of transport provision really reduce costs with the need to means test and the threat of appeals and litigation?
Session speakers