School transport September 2026 updates
Find the latest information about applications, transport arrangements and digital bus passes.
School transport September 2026 updates
Most school transport arrangements for September 2026 are already in place. We are continuing to process remaining applications and enquiries ahead of the start of the new school year.
Latest update
We are currently processing applications received by the published deadline.
If you submitted your application after the deadline, we will process it once all on-time applications have been reviewed. Late applications are processed in the order they are received.
We are also introducing digital bus passes on a number of school transport routes from September 2026. Information about digital passes and how to access them is available below.
If we need more information from you about your application or transport arrangements, we will contact you directly.
Late applications
We are currently processing applications received by the published deadline. If you submitted your application after the deadline, this section explains what happens next and when you can expect to hear from us.
I submitted a late application. What happens next?
We are currently processing applications received by the published deadline.
If you submitted your application after the deadline, we will process it once all on-time applications have been reviewed.
Applications are processed in the order they are received.
Will contacting you speed up my application?
No.
Contacting us for an update will not change the order in which applications are processed.
Our team needs to focus on reviewing applications and arranging transport. Frequent enquiries reduce the time available to process applications.
Will transport be in place for the start of term?
We cannot guarantee that transport arrangements will be in place for the start of term for late applications.
Where possible, we will make arrangements as quickly as we can and keep families informed.
Concessionary seat applications
I've applied for a concessionary seat. What happens next?
Concessionary seats are spare seats available on existing school transport routes.
We are currently focusing on applications from students who qualify for school transport under our policy.
We will review concessionary seat applications once transport arrangements for eligible students have been completed.
Concessionary seats:
- are subject to availability
- are allocated on a first come, first served basis
- can only be offered where a spare seat is available
Contacting us for an update will not change the order in which applications are reviewed.
Digital bus passes
Some transport operators are introducing digital bus passes from September 2026.
Each student will receive a digital pass with a unique QR code that is scanned when boarding.
Students can:
- use the pass on a mobile phone
- print a paper copy of the pass
- present either version when boarding
If a mobile phone is not available, a printed copy of the pass can be used.
Get a digital bus pass for a Grant Palmer route
If your child travels on a Grant Palmer route, register on the Grant Palmer website using the details sent to you by email.
Use the promotional code included in your email when you register.
Once you have registered, your child's digital bus pass will be issued.
Register on the Grant Palmer website
Get a digital bus pass for a Marshalls route
If your child travels on a Marshalls route, register on the Marshalls school transport website.
When you register, select Marshalls Coaches as the operator and enter the route included in your email.
Once you have registered, your child's digital bus pass will be issued.
Register on the Marshalls school transport website
Get a digital bus pass for a Herberts or Barton route
If your child travels on a Herberts or Barton route, you should receive an email from ShuttleID containing a link to your child's digital bus pass.
Follow the instructions in the email to access and download the pass.
I have not received my digital pass
Before contacting us:
- check your junk or spam folder
- check the email account used for your application
- make sure you have completed any registration required by your transport operator
If you still cannot locate your pass, contact the School Transport team.
How do I find my bus timetable?
We publish timetables for each school transport route.
Timetables show:
- the stops on the route
- the scheduled pick-up times for each stop
Use the timetables to check where your child should board and what time the bus is due to arrive.
Why is my application still being processed?
We continue to receive applications throughout the summer holidays and in the weeks before the start of term.
Some applications require additional checks, information or transport arrangements before they can be completed.
This means some applications may take longer to process than others.
The School Transport team will contact you if they need any further information.
Contact the School Transport team
If your question is not answered on this page, you can contact the School Transport team.
Telephone: 0300 300 8000
Opening hours
For transport-related emergencies:
- 8am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday
- 8am to 4:30pm, Friday
For all other enquiries
- Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 9am to 5pm
- Wednesday from 10am to 5pm
- Friday from 9am to 4:30pm