THE cost of getting a school bus to sixth form in Newport is set to increase from £347 to £370 per year from September.

Last year Newport City Council hiked the price of transport to school for those over 16, from £45 to £347 for an annual ticket.

Now the price parents pay is set to go even higher, although the council said it is still far below the actual price of a bus seat which is around £750 a year.

Debbie Wilcox, cabinet member for education, will be asked to approve the plan, which will affect pupils using dedicated school buses or normal public transport.

All post-16 students who qualify transport assistance are still eligible to receive a discretionary travel grant of £150 per academic year towards the actual cost of their travel to and from school.

A council spokeswoman said: “There was an expectation that this year’s post-16 transport costs would increase to £400, however, the cabinet member will review a report that advises the contribution is set at £370 for September 2015.

“This would reduce the current level of subsidy the council makes and align the costs with those charged by the local bus network.”

She added that the council was not required by law to provide transport for those aged over 16.

The increased cost works out at around 59p per young person per week over the course of the academic year.

The spokeswoman added that Welsh students in the greatest need are still given education maintenance allowance (EMA) for post 16 study which could help towards the cost. In England, EMA was scrapped.

When the increased cost was announced last year it was met with anger from parents.

Jayne Jones, whose daughter attended the sixth form at Caerleon Comprehensive, said: “It used to be a fee of £40 to £45 but we have seen that go up by £300.

“I have just lost my job and it is not means tested.”