Menorca school trips cut: bus deal could secure two

Schools on Menorca are cutting trips, while families pay between five and 15 euros for each outing: a proposed bus contract could secure two trips per school each academic year. Més per Menorca MP Joana Gomila described the cuts and costs in parliament on Tuesday, 29 September. Education minister Antoni Vera outlined the contract plan, but it is not yet agreed.

Coaches are hard to book

Vera acknowledged that schools and families struggle to arrange trips, especially during the tourist months. Gomila said schools have had to bring forward end-of-year outings. Trips to natural sites, recycling centres and sporting and cultural activities are among those affected.

Two possible ways forward

The Balearic Ministry of Education and Universities is considering grants for schools, but Vera warned they might not save families money. He sees more promise in requiring firms that win the next school-bus contract to provide two outings per school each year. Officials still need to work out how that would apply to schools without a daily bus service.

Vera said the ministry is working with the Island Council of Menorca to reach an agreement with bus companies. The council oversees charter journeys, while the ministry contracts compulsory transport to school. Without a legal basis, Vera said, the ministry cannot make companies set prices or provide extra trips.

Topics: Education · Environment · Tourism · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com