But, although its future was not guaranteed, Cllr Dowd stressed that all options – including possible expansion – would be considered.
He told the Daily Post: “Travel passes have been around for years.
“Things have moved on and we will over the next month review whether we are we using the money in the best way.
“We will consider if we have to re-jig and realign things.
“The review will look at everything, including whether the way we administer it is the best and if we are doing it the right way.
“We will also discuss whether it should be reduced or possibly expanded.
“We will just see what comes out in the wash.”
The move came after the council made changes to its appeals process for post-16 students whose applications for travel passes were refused.
The council now intends to allow rejected applicants to appeal in person. It followed complaints to the Local Government Ombudsman by two rejected students unhappy they did not have the chance to verbally state their cases.
A report prepared for the council’s cabinet revealed the policy change followed recommendations from the ombudsman that the “appeals should be open”.
The report also revealed that, after advice from the council’s legal department, “a decision has now been made to issue travel passes to the two appellants as a exceptional cases”.
Confirming the change, Cllr Dowd said: “Things change and we want to be as open as possible.
“A limited number of people will find themselves in this position.
“But I think it is really healthy that the students felt confident enough to challenge those making the decision.”
