Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential impact of the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations expiring on 31 July 2026 on the ability of students aged 16 and over in rural areas to travel to their place of education or training in the 2026/27 academic year.

Following careful consideration, we have decided to offer further exemptions from the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations for home-to-school services until 2030. The coach sector has benefitted from exemptions since 2019 when providing home-to-school and rail replacement services. Improved accessibility on rail replacement services means exemptions are now only required for school transport.