School transport for mainstream schools
Options if your child isn't eligible for free transport
Privilege Transport
If your child is not eligible for free school transport, they may still be able to travel on an existing council school transport service through a Privilege Transport place.
Privilege Transport availability
A Privilege Transport place may be available if:
- your child attends a school already served by a council transport service
- there is a spare seat available
- the place does not create an additional cost for the council.
Privilege Transport places are not guaranteed and may be withdrawn with one week's notice if the seat is required for a pupil who is eligible for free school transport.
Apply for Privilege Transport
- You must apply for Privilege Transport each school year.
- Applications are considered after transport arrangements for pupils who are eligible for free school transport have been finalised.
- Parents, guardians and carers remain responsible for making sure their child gets to and from school until a decision has been made.
To apply:
Public transport
If your child is not eligible for free school transport, they may be able to travel using the local bus services.
Lothian Buses provides a range of services across Midlothian and Edinburgh.
Find bus routes, timetables and journey planning information on the Lothian Buses website
Children and young people under 22 who live in Scotland may be entitled to free bus travel through the Under 22s Free Bus Travel Scheme.
If your child has a valid National Entitlement Card (NEC), they can travel free on most local bus services across Scotland:
Please visit Under 22s free bus travel | Transport Scotland