BOLTON will not be part of a pilot scheme under which free school buses are abolished.

Around 20 local authorities will pilot the scheme over the next three years where families will be charged for using school buses, except if their children are eligible for free school meals.

Free transport is available for pupils who attend the nearest suitable school, providing it is more than two miles away if they are under the age of eight and three miles away for those aged eight and above.

But this is set to change under the School Transport Bill which will be debated in Parliament this year.