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Bus Vannin has announced a change to its Go School Card Policy following backlash from parents and students.
Back in October it was confirmed that the cards, which offer discounted travel for students travelling to and from school, would no longer be valid after 5pm from Monday, November 4.
The move sparked an outcry of frustration from families who said the decision overlooked the needs of young people involved in extracurricular activities, sports fixtures, and after-school study sessions.
Previously, the cards allowed for subsidised travel until 6pm, accommodating students who participated in after-school activities.
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SCH 1 card is for primary school students, SCH 2 card is for secondary school students, and the SCH 3 is for pupils at University College Isle of Man (UCM).
On Monday, Bus Vannin announced the school bus cards SCH 1 and SCH 2 will be valid until 5.30pm from Monday, January 6, 2025.
In a statement, a Bus Vannin spokesperson said: ‘An extra 30 minutes is being put in place after monitoring the impact of the revised time announced in October, and further collaboration with the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.
‘Students aged up to 19 years can use a pre-paid Go School card to travel between their home and Isle of Man Government-run schools and college courses.
‘From Monday, January 6, any student wishing to catch a bus after 5.30pm will be required to pay the appropriate half-fare.’
Previous backlash
Parents took to social media to express their anger when it was first announced that the cards would no longer be valid after 5pm back in October.
One parent spoke of their disappointment, highlighting the impact on students attending Ballakermeen High School, which remains open until 5.30pm for sixth formers to study after hours.
Another said: ‘My son had a school fixture last week at Castle Rushen High School and only returned back in time to Ramsey Grammar School for him to get the bus that leaves Ramsey just after 5pm.
‘It is too early; students travelling back to school from away fixtures will need onwards travel home past 5pm.’
But speaking in the House of Keys in November, the then Infrastructure Minister Tim Crookall argued most of the pupils had not used the service as a result of school activities after 5pm.
‘It was evident the school smart card was no longer relevant and needed reviewing,’ he said.
‘The issue we have got at the moment is with regards to students who do after-school activities and we are still reviewing that and working with the schools and we are happy to take onboard any comments.’
The time change is set to come into effect on January 6.