Councillors were told that annual, flat-rate personal allowances would be offered to post-16 students to use for their own travel arrangements, based on distance between home and school or college.
Free bus passes and travel training would be given to teenagers able to travel independently or with an adult on public transport.
Council officers added that they understood the proposals were “difficult” and that families with specific needs would be given help.
Students who met “exceptional circumstances” criteria would continue to benefit from council-organised travel, they said.
Councillor Alan Lamb, leader of the Conservative group, told the meeting that he had “concerns” about the decision and said worried parents had contacted him.
He added it would “not be an easy process for parents to navigate”.
“For some young people, getting travel training will enable them to flourish and have an independent life, but it really needed to be very personalised and I’m concerned it’s doing the opposite,” he said.
Ms Hayden said that “each case would be looked at individually” and that the council remained committed to supporting SEND students through the personal allowance and other measures.
The changes are expected be introduced from September 2025.
Any eligible young person in post-16 education would continue on their existing policy unless they moved house or education provider, councillors were told.
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