Northern Ireland’s Education Authority says some school-taxi operators are bidding far above established rates — one under-20-mile run attracting a lowest bid of about £250 a day, or £42,000 a year.
The Irish News quotes the EA after tendering more than 1,200 runs: overall mileage rates fell about 15%, but a minority of routes remain excessive at more than three times Department for Infrastructure taxi rates. With term started, EA awarded some disputed runs to the lowest bidder so children could travel, warning a fixed budget means other services suffer and that parental cash payments may replace taxis if prices do not fall. Further engagement with operators is planned.