Campaigners say proposed cuts to Falkirk school buses could 'impact attendance'

Parents and school pupils are being urged to share their thoughts as four school bus services face the axe to help Falkirk Council cut costs.

An online consultation is now asking how people feel about the council stopping or reducing bus services for pupils who have to travel less than two miles to school.

The proposal could affect pupils at Braes High, Falkirk High and Graeme High schools.

If agreed, it would mean the withdrawal of services 142 (Shieldhill to Braes High School) and 149 (Slamannan Road/Lionthorn area to Falkirk High School), and the reduction of services 641 (Maddiston to Braes High School) and 628 (Hallglen to Graeme High School) to one bus per route, retained for distance-entitled pupils only.

Last year, Falkirk Council proposed changing the distance entitlement for pupils aged eight and over from two miles to three miles – which is the Scottish legal requirement – but this was rejected.
The latest money-saving plan is to cut the discretionary transport that is provided for secondary pupils travelling less than two miles.

Parents of Braes High School pupils have been told that axing services from Shieldhill and Maddiston to the school is now being considered as part of the council’s annual budget setting process.

Campaigners argue that nothing has changed since they opposed cutting school bus runs just last year.
They believe it will not only encourage more parents to use cars to drop pupils off, but could also have an impact on attendance.

They also say that the identified walking routes to Braes High are not safe for the number of children on foot, particularly in the winter months.

One angry parent said: “Ask them if between now and August they would be willing to park two miles from their office and walk to work, regardless of weather.

“They can’t wear waterproofs because we have to go with the assumption that they have nowhere to store them or get changed, like our kids, and if they arrive to work soaking they can’t get dried or changed – they have to sit like that for the full day.

“If they are willing to demonstrate that it’s safe and completely practical, then we’ll consider it.”

Falkirk Council states that no decision has been made yet and all feedback from the consultation, which is available on Participate+, will be considered.

A spokesperson for Falkirk Council said: “Falkirk Council currently provides home-to-school transport for pupils who live more than one mile from school for those pupils under the age of eight, or more than two miles for those pupils over the age of eight.

“The Council is engaging with parents and carers on proposed changes from August 2026 to four discretionary school transport services used by pupils who are not distance entitled.

“Alternative walking routes for these services have been identified and assessed as safe.

“No decision has been taken at this time, and responses to the proposals are invited until February 1, 2026, after which all feedback will be considered prior to a final decision being made.”