Kent County Council has confirmed arrangements for refunding school bus pass payments made before the coronavirus outbreak.

The council has issued a statement on refunding those who purchased the Kent Travel Saver but have not been able to use it while schools have been closed.

For those customers paying by direct debit, the instalment regime was suspended at the start of lockdown and the final remaining payments will not be collected.

For those who have paid in full, KCC will make a payment of £50 as a goodwill gesture, which the council says reflects typical final instalment values.

For parents who were eligible for the lower cost pass, the refund will be £15.

KCC cabinet member for highways and transport Cllr Michael Payne said: “This unprecedented situation has created a very complex problem and although the Kent Travel Saver cards are normally non-refundable, we think it is only right and proper that KCC should offer some compensation as a gesture of goodwill to the parents who have been affected.

“Parents have not had the full benefit of the Travel Saver card as they expected. KCC will be working hard to get these payments completed as soon as possible.”

The 16+ Kent Travel Saver has always had a different set of terms and conditions and refunds will be made in accordance with these having taken account of any outstanding direct debit payments.

KCC intends to open the Kent Travel Saver scheme once again for applications for the new school year in mid-July.

The council will contact parents to confirm the opening of the window and details will be available at kent.gov.uk.

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