It’s a prepaid Mastercard® that can be used to cover travel-related costs for helping your child get to school or college.
Frequently Asked Questions – Direct Payment Card for School Travel Support
Your annual Mileage or Family Led Travel Budget is split into three equal payments across the year. The funds are added at the start of each school term.
No, the card is provided free of charge.
Until the expiry date printed on the front of the card.
The card will be issued in the name of the parent or carer who is responsible for the child.
No, only one card is issued per child or young person.
Normally only one card is issued per child. An exception is made if there is a court order confirming shared custody at two different addresses.
The card is strictly for school or college travel-related expenses. It won’t work in places like:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Clothes or shoe shoes
- Entertainment venues (cinemas, bowling alleys, etc.)
It can be used in shops or online, but only if the purchase is directly linked to your child’s school or college travel.
Yes, it works just like a prepaid Mastercard.
No, cash withdrawals and cashback aren’t allowed.
Yes, bank transfers are authorised for this purpose if a friend or family member can support with taking your child to and from School/College.
Yes, Direct Debits are permitted to support with School Travel Support.
No, you can only spend the funds available on the card. If there are insufficient funds, the payment will be declined.
No, the card is strictly for School or College travel expenses only.
Any remaining funds will be recovered by Milton Keynes City Council
What happens if I don’t spend all the money by the end of term?
We regularly check school attendance to make sure payments match your child’s needs.
- If adjustments are needed, they’ll be reflected in the next term’s payment.
- Card balances are monitored and reviewed, and we’ll always contact you before making any changes
If your child has 100% attendance, this may prompt a review of their travel award.
In such cases, it’s likely that the level of support previously awarded was higher than necessary, and adjustments may be made for the new academic year.
Additionally, if the child’s support needs change or they no longer require travel assistance, we may either reclaim part of the funding or deactivate the travel card.
Milton Keynes City Council monitors usage to prevent fraud and ensure the card is used appropriately.
No, receipts are not required. Card usage is monitored remotely.
Yes, as long as the charging is for a vehicle used to take your child to school or college.
You can use the card for:
- Fuel
- Public transport tickets
- Taxi services
- EV charging or electricity bills for electric vehicles
- Online transactions linked to school travel
School attendance is reviewed to make sure payments reflect your child’s actual school travel.
If changes are needed, adjustments will be made to the following term’s payment.
You can:
- Call the IVR Helpline:
0203 468 4112 / 0203 327 1991 / 0207 183 2248 - Or email: STS@milton-keynes.gov.uk
-
Call the IVR Helpline and select the Lost and Stolen option.
Your card will be blocked to prevent misuse.
0203 468 4112 / 0203 327 1991 / 0207 183 2248 - Email: STS@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Keep your Client ID safe - you’ll need it.
Card queries
IVR Helpline: 0203 468 4112 / 0203 327 1991 / 0207 183 2248
Email: STS@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Mileage or FLTB Queries
Email: STS@milton-keynes.gov.uk
Phone: 01908 252526