SEND taxi demand drives Wiltshire fleet growth and transport changes
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 15
- 1 min read
Wiltshire Council’s Passenger Transport Team has confirmed a significant increase in demand for SEND school transport, with numbers expected to rise by up to 11% by the end of the financial year.
In a recent update to the Licensing Committee, the council said it had successfully delivered transport for all students who applied in time for the new school term. Around 8,500 students were returned to school using a mix of contracted taxis, minibuses, the council’s own fleet, and parent mileage reimbursements.
To meet the rising needs of Silverwood School’s Rowde campus, 12 new vehicles were added to the council fleet. Additional demand elsewhere has been met using paid mileage arrangements for parents and taxi contracts.
Officials said the taxi market in Wiltshire is showing steady growth, with competitive pricing being demonstrated during tenders. This is helping the council manage transport needs more flexibly.
Looking ahead, the next major challenge will be preparing for a new SEND school opening in September 2026. The extended Exeter House School site, based at Wellington Academy in Tidworth, will eventually accommodate 120 pupils. A phased intake across two academic years is expected.
