ISLE of Wight Council cutbacks will hit post-16 students where it hurts most — in their wallets.
They face a massive 100 per cent increase to the cost of travel to school or college next year.
It is proposed the contribution they make towards home-to-school/college travel is increased from £27.50 per term to £60 per term from the beginning of the January term.
The authority is looking to scrap the discounted travel pass altogether from September 2011.
Cllr David Pugh, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, told the County Press yesterday: "This addresses the current inequity that post-16 pupils receive a significant subsidy for their home to school/college transport, whereas pre-16 pupils have to pay for using public transport to get to school, except those who are entitled to free transport due to distance or unsafe routes.
"Given that Southern Vectis has extended its half-rate age range to include under-19s, this has made the general use of public transport for this age range much more affordable.
"A Freedom pass is currently £99 for 90 days, which is broadly the equivalent of a term period — albeit you can use it for unlimited travel when not at school or college as well."
The council is also proposing to withdraw its subsidy for universal free bus travel for pupils who attend Christ the King College, from September 2011.
Cllr Pugh said: "We consider this is inequitable as it gives all-Island travel for a church school, which you do not get for a community school.
"In the case of the latter, you only get free transport if you live three miles or more from your catchment area school or live on an unsafe walking route.
"We are proposing we reduce faith-based transport at secondary level to the statutory minimum — i.e. only those entitled to it through means testing."
Reporter: martinn@iwcpmail.co.uk