The Strangford MLA was speaking after the EA sent correspondence to EA taxi drivers, asking them to reduce their rates by 10% or face potential termination of their contract.
 
Mr Mathison said: “Correspondence to taxi drivers has regrettably provided more uncertainty for parents, many of whom have children who rely on the EA Taxi Service to get to school each day.
 
“I would urge the EA to demonstrate the evidence behind this decision, as questions remain if this approach is perhaps a heavy-handed catch-all intervention to address those abusing the system, instead of a more thought-through proposal that will specifically target those drivers at fault.
 
“Concerns around the fairness of this intervention and the timing of this action are also at play, given that EA will have signed off on these contracts at the start of this academic year, if not before.
 
“The Education Committee agreed to raise our concerns with the EA and I look forward to hearing from them on what steps they are taking to ensure that the Home to School Transport service is financially sustainable, whilst ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of children and parents.”