Terms and conditions of travel

Last updated: 19 July 2024

Spare Seat Scheme cancellation and refund policy

If you wish to cancel payments or request a refund for a Spare Seat Scheme transport place that you no longer need, please complete the Cancellation of Transport / Refund Form. Once we receive your cancellation / refund request form and spare seat travel pass, we will review your request and will contact you to let you know whether a refund is due.

Where a Spare Seat Scheme place is withdrawn by the Council, or the boarding location is changed to be more than a one mile walk from the student’s home, a refund will be given for the days not yet used.

Where the customer requests a refund

  • refunds will be based on the remaining number of full term periods that have been paid for. There is no refund payable for the remainder of the term in which you cancelled.
  • if you pay monthly, we will review your claim and let you know if you need to pay more to cover the rest of the term.
  • there is no refund payable after the start of the summer term
  • if you request a refund, please complete the online form and then return your child’s spare seat travel pass by post to:

Client Transport, Buckinghamshire Council, Walton Street, Aylesbury, HP20 1YZ.

We cannot process your refund if you do not return the travel pass.

  • a refund will only be calculated from the date that the pass is received and date stamped in the Client Transport office. Proof of postage is not proof of receipt.
  • refunds / payments due are calculated based on the standard school term dates as published on the Buckinghamshire Council website. They are not adjusted based on individual school term dates or year group variations.
  • the Council accepts limited financial liability where a transport service fails to run at all for any reason that is proven to be the fault of the transport provider. This limited liability is limited to a refund of the price for the individual morning and/or afternoon journey(s) as applicable, as set by the council's Spare Seat Scheme. Any claim for a refund must be made using the school transport 'Contact us' form within 5 calendar days of the failure. Late applications will only be accepted if there are exceptional reasons and the council’s decision will be final.
  • any spare seats are advertised on a termly basis via the Spare Seat Scheme. If you need a place at a later date you will have to reapply if a suitable seat is available.

If you know that you will not need transport for the whole year, please consider paying for your pass on the more flexible termly payment option instead.