Thousands of parents have been offered a glimmer of hope that a bus pass price hike could be reviewed.
Opposition parties at Kent County Council (KCC) have joined forces to challenge a decision to put up charges by 26% for the 2026-27 academic year.
Members of the Green Party, Liberal Democrats and Restore Britain also contend the cost has now gone up 41% since 2025.
The Kent Travel Saver (KTS) scheme provides heavily discounted transport for youngsters getting to school.
Parents of around 3,100 children will have to pay £170, up from £135.
KCC has argued that it is under no statutory obligation to provide subsidised travel and the KTS scheme already has a net cost to the authority of just under £5m per year. Demand for KTS has increased by 16% in the past three years.
The issue is to be discussed at a special meeting of the scrutiny committee on Thursday morning (June 11).
In papers to “call-in” the decision to increase charges, the opponents state: “As a result, households with limited financial flexibility are subject to the largest relative increase.
“This differential impact raises concerns as to whether the decision is proportionate, particularly given the reduced ability of lower income households to absorb additional costs.
“This indicates a disparity in how the financial burden of the decision is distributed across families.”
Liberal Democrat opposition leader Cllr Antony Hook, Green Party group leader Cllr Mark Hood, Green Party member Cllr Rob Yates and Restore Britain group leader Paul Thomas have all lent their names to the challenge.
Around 13,200 pupils in Kent are currently charged the full amount of £580, which will increase to £615.
Six thousand children in care, young carers, care leavers and families with three or more children currently receive passes for free.
Cllr Hood said: “We just want to make clear our position that putting up the (concessionary) prices will disadvantage people who are struggling. We’re hoping the cabinet member will reconsider.”
In April, a KCC statement said: “We know many families rely on the Kent Travel Saver Scheme to help their children and young people get education and training, and we remain committed to continuing this support.”
The council said the increase is necessary to ensure the scheme remains viable and equates to less than £1 per week over the academic year.
Papers before Thursday’s meeting state: “The cost increase for 26/27 for paying customers ensures the scheme is viable and enables the council to meet its medium financial plan commitments.
“It is recognised that any cost increase for important services will be challenging for a range of families, particularly during the ongoing cost of living pressures affecting Kent residents.
“However, the Council has a duty to secure Best Value and balance customer affordability with its own financial sustainability.
“The proposal keeps the passes at a broadly affordable level for the majority of families while managing the costs to KCC in such a way that allow the council to balance its budget.”
