Report on the Discontinuation of School Bus Services in West Yorkshire and its Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Introduction and Executive Summary

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) has formally approved the discontinuation of six subsidized school bus routes, effective September 2026. The decision, impacting services in Bradford, Calderdale, and Leeds, was made following a review aimed at ensuring equitable distribution of transport subsidies across the region. This report analyzes the decision, stakeholder responses, and its implications for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those concerning education, inequality, and sustainable communities.

2.0 Decision and Rationale

The WYCA’s decision is based on a review of its £18.99 million annual expenditure on school transport, which supports 328 bus services for approximately 20,000 students. The authority’s rationale for the cuts is twofold:

• Equity and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10): The primary driver cited is the aim to create a more equitable system. Director of Transport Services, Tim Taylor, noted that areas like Leeds and Bradford currently receive disproportionately higher subsidies compared to others, such as Wakefield. The cuts are presented as a step toward balancing this distribution.
• Availability of Alternatives: The WYCA asserts that for each discontinued route, viable alternatives exist. These alternatives are intended to support goals for health and sustainable cities.
  • Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11): The authority states that existing public transport services can accommodate the affected students.
  • Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3): It is suggested that many students will be able to walk or cycle to school, promoting physical activity.

3.0 Affected Services

The following six school bus routes are scheduled for termination:

1. B50: Eldwick to Beckfoot School
2. B99: Bradford city centre to Appleton Academy
3. S64/S66: Baildon to Titus Salt School
4. C6: Crossley Heath Grammar
5. S62: Cockburn School
6. SM25: Ilkley to St Mary’s Menston

4.0 Stakeholder Criticism and SDG Implications

The decision has drawn criticism from local councillors, who have raised concerns about its negative impact on several Sustainable Development Goals.

4.1 Impact on Quality Education (SDG 4) and Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10)

Critics argue that removing dedicated transport services creates significant barriers to accessing education. Conservative Councillor Alan Lamb described the cuts as an “attack on choice,” challenging the assumption that families can easily switch to other modes of transport. This could disproportionately affect low-income families and those in areas with limited or unsafe walking and cycling routes, thereby undermining progress on both SDG 4 (ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education) and SDG 10 (reducing inequality within and among countries).

4.2 Conflicting Approaches to Equity (SDG 10)

While the WYCA frames the cuts as a move towards equity, Lib Dem Councillor Stewart Golton contested this approach. He argued that true equity should involve improving services for all, stating, “instead of negotiating down, we should try to lift everyone up to an equal benefit.” This highlights a fundamental disagreement on how to achieve the objectives of SDG 10.

5.0 Future Plans and Mitigation Efforts

In response to the concerns, the WYCA has outlined its long-term strategy and mitigation plans.

• Engagement with Schools: Mayor Tracy Brabin acknowledged the potential stress for families and committed that the WYCA would “engage with affected schools to plan for proposed changes” between now and the September 2026 implementation date.
• The Weaver Network: The Mayor pointed to the planned franchised bus service, the Weaver Network, set for introduction in 2027. This initiative is presented as a comprehensive solution that will improve transport across the board, contributing to SDG 11 by creating a more integrated and sustainable public transport system. It is intended to “connect young people to places they have never been connected to before,” thereby enhancing access to education and opportunities (SDG 4).

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article discusses the cancellation of school bus routes. This directly impacts students’ ability to travel to school, which is a fundamental aspect of ensuring access to education. Safe and reliable transportation is crucial for consistent school attendance and, therefore, for achieving quality education.
2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The West Yorkshire Combined Authority’s justification for the cuts is based on achieving “equity.” The article states that areas like Leeds and Bradford receive higher subsidies than others, such as Wakefield. The plan aims to rebalance this, directly addressing inequalities in the provision of public services within the region.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The core of the article revolves around public transportation infrastructure in West Yorkshire. It deals with the provision, subsidy, and accessibility of bus services for a specific segment of the population (school children). The discussion also includes promoting sustainable alternatives like walking and cycling, which is central to creating sustainable urban environments.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The suggestion that children can walk or cycle to school instead of taking the bus connects to promoting physical activity, a key component of good health. However, it also raises concerns about the safety of these alternative routes, linking to the prevention of road traffic injuries.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
   • This target is relevant because safe transport to and from school is an integral part of a “safe… learning environment.” The cancellation of dedicated school buses could compromise the safety and accessibility of the journey to school for children, potentially creating a less inclusive educational environment.
2. Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age… or other status.
   • The debate over equitable distribution of bus subsidies across different parts of West Yorkshire (Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield) directly relates to this target. The authority’s stated goal is to ensure services are “equitable for all,” which is a policy action aimed at reducing regional inequalities in access to public services.
3. Target 11.2: By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all… with special attention to the needs of… children.
   • This is the most directly relevant target. The article is entirely focused on the provision of school bus services, which are a form of public transport. The discussion covers their affordability (subsidies), accessibility for children, and the sustainability of the system, including alternatives like walking and cycling.
4. Target 3.6: By 2030, halve the number of global deaths and injuries from road traffic accidents.
   • A councillor’s criticism implies a concern for safety, stating, “If walking and cycling was the best option for children they’d already be doing it.” This suggests that forcing children to walk or cycle by cutting bus services could expose them to greater risks on the road, making road safety a critical consideration.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 11.2 (Access to sustainable transport):
   • Number of bus routes cut: The article specifies that “six school bus routes” are being axed.
   • Cost and subsidy of transport services: The article mentions the total cost of the service is “£18.99m a year,” with “45% is funded by the combined authority.” This is a direct measure of the affordability and public investment in the transport system.
   • Population served: The overall service carries “up to 20,000 pupils per day,” which indicates the scale of the public transport system for children.
   • Availability of alternatives: The justification that “alternate public transport services” or “walk or cycle” options are available serves as a qualitative indicator of transport access.
2. For Target 10.2 (Reduced inequalities):
   • Disparity in subsidies: The statement that “Leeds and Bradford currently received higher subsidies for school buses than areas like Wakefield” is an indicator of existing inequality that the policy aims to address.
3. For Target 4.a (Safe learning environments):
   • List of affected schools/routes: The article lists specific routes (e.g., B50 Eldwick to Beckfoot School, C6 Crossley Heath Grammar), which allows for a targeted assessment of the impact on students’ access to education at those institutions.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bbc.com