Digital Bus Passes Launch Across Vale School Transport Network This September
Parents and carers are being encouraged to register for the new BusBuddie digital bus pass system ahead of its introduction on secondary school transport services across the Vale of Glamorgan from September 2026.
The new system will replace printed bus passes with a digital pass available through the BusBuddie app. Each pass contains a unique QR code that pupils scan when boarding their school transport service.
Letters have been sent to eligible families explaining how to register and access the new system. Parents and carers are asked to complete registration by 24 July 2026 to ensure passes can be allocated before the start of the new academic year.
The introduction of BusBuddie will help improve safety, provide better information about how school transport is being used, allow issues to be resolved more quickly, make it easier to communicate transport updates and reduce the risk of passes being lost or damaged.
Parents and carers must first download the BusBuddie app and create an account before completing their child's registration. Full guidance is available to support families through the process.
The Council has stressed that support will be available for families whose children do not have access to a mobile device. Alternative arrangements can be made by contacting the School Transport Team.
Importantly, pupils will still be able to travel if there are temporary issues with a phone, battery or app.
Parents can access temporary passes through the app or print a copy at home, while schools can also issue temporary passes when required.
Cllr Mark Wilson, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhood Services and Transport, said: “BusBuddie is a modern, convenient way of managing school transport that helps us improve safety and communication with families. We would encourage all parents and carers who have received a letter to download the app and complete registration as soon as possible to ensure everything is ready for September."
Parents who have received a letter but have not yet registered are encouraged to do so before the deadline on 24 July 2026.
For support, families can contact the School Transport Team on 02920 673147 or by emailing schooltransport@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk