Before you apply
The concessionary spare seat policy allows pupils who are not eligible for free home-to-school transport to apply for any unused seats on existing school transport services. However, it is only available if there is not an alternative fare paying bus, please check this before applying via Citymapper.
The spare seats are limited and are offered on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Because availability can change, a spare seat cannot be guaranteed long‑term, and parents or carers must be prepared to make alternative travel arrangements if the seat is withdrawn.
These seats will only be considered if:
- there are no fare-paying bus or train services available in the area*
- there is no extra cost to the county council to accommodate the additional student
- the vehicle meets PSVAR requirements and is permitted to offer spare seats
*Service buses only sometimes drop off outside a school. However, if one is in operation within a suitable distance to the school or college, then concessionary spare seats will not be considered.
The fee is as follows:
- a one-off payment of £570
- or three termly instalments of £193 (a total of £579)
The fee will be calculated pro-rata from the dates the seat is approved.
Applications for concessionary spare seats will need to be made each academic year.
Please note that the concessionary spare seat will be withdrawn if:
- the seat is required for eligible students
- a fare-paying bus service becomes available
- a review of school transport reduces the availability of spare seats
- unacceptable behaviour of the child is proven
If the council withdraws a seat, a refund will be issued, calculated on a pro-rata basis.
Changing address, school or college during the academic year
If you change address, school, or college, you must reapply for concessionary spare seat provision, and the eligibility criteria will be reassessed.
Cancellation of transport
To cancel your transport, please send your details to TSG@lincolnshire.gov.uk.