EA provides update on taxi bill savings

It has emphasised the link between home to school transport costs and insufficient school places for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN). The absence of local provision for pupils has both a financial cost for EA, and, more importantly, a personal cost for pupils who have to face longer journeys than should be necessary.

At present, only 26% of NI mainstream schools provide specialist SEN classes. Until that number is significantly increased, too many children will continue to be educated outside their own communities, away from family and friends. And transport will be required to ensure they don’t miss out on school.

EA will always seek to address such transport needs using either Translink services or EA buses. Taxis are an option where these are not available or appropriate.

EA is committed to achieving savings in its taxi bills, as part of its wider savings programme.

We can today provide an update on our request to taxi operators for voluntary reductions in bills. We have so far agreed commitments from operators which amount to a total saving of £918,000 by the end of this financial year. Engagement with taxi operators is ongoing. It has been stressed that EA will consider any evidence they present on their charges. They have also been advised that contracts will be monitored and reviewed ahead of the 2026/27 academic year.

EA confirmed last month that the highest taxi rate it is being charged equates to £83 per mile pro rata. This case relates to a short journey of less than a mile, costing some £50 a day. For clarity, the rate was the lowest of six bids received from taxi operators. Contracts as a rule are awarded to the lowest bids, providing the operator meets all compliance requirements.

Dale Hanna, EA’s Chief Operations Officer, said: “We will continue to engage with taxi operators to secure more savings and bear down on costs. We are grateful to all those operators who are working with us constructively.

“However, it must be emphasised that a significant proportion of the increase in taxi costs is connected to the shortfall in SEN places. Further specialist provision classes in mainstream schools are an absolute necessity.”

In recent months, EA invited 300 mainstream schools from areas of highest SEN placement need to engagement sessions on specialist provision. Approximately 90 attended.

EA is continuing to engage with schools across NI and with the Department on confirming places for September 2026 and the longer term.

The EA’s annual bill for taxi use has more than doubled in five years - growing from £19,428,826 in 2020-2021 to £39,753,169 in 2024-2025.

A child’s statutory SEN assessment will often specify a home to school transport requirement. In some cases, a recommendation is made for a child to be on their own when transported. For some children with disabilities, modified transport for wheelchair users may be required.