The Vale of Glamorgan Council will introduce digital bus passes through the BusBuddie app for secondary school transport services from September 2026, replacing traditional printed passes.
Each pupil will receive a unique QR code via the app, which they will scan when boarding their school transport service.
Councillor 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 and carers must register their child for the new system by July 24, 2026 to receive a digital pass before the start of the academic year.
Guidance has been provided to help families complete the registration process, which requires downloading the BusBuddie app and creating an account before registering their child.
The council said the digital system will improve safety, allow better monitoring of transport usage, help resolve issues faster and make it easier to share updates with families.
It should also reduce the risk of passes being lost or damaged.
Support will be given to families whose children do not have access to a mobile device, with alternative arrangements available through the council’s school transport team.
The council confirmed that pupils will still be able to travel if there are temporary problems with a phone, battery or app, as parents can access or print a temporary pass through the app, and schools are also able to issue temporary passes when needed.
Those who need assistance can contact the school transport team on 02920 673147 or email schooltransport@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk.
