PARENTS of children travelling to faith schools in Blackburn with Darwen may have to pay their child’s bus fare from next year.

Under new rules, children starting a secondary faith school from September 2012 will only be eligible for a free bus pass if they attend the nearest school that is more than two miles away.

Youngsters who do not fall within that category will be charged a subsidised return fare of £1.50 a day — an increase from £1.30.

The council said the change was part of its plan to help make £48m savings over four years with the cost of denominational transport reducing from £508k to £268k.

Bosses said the change would be phased in from September next year so parents can make an informed choice about which school they decide to send their children, taking into account the cost of travelling.

They also said a new measure would be introduced to help larger families, with a free bus pass given to the third child if two of their siblings are paying the subsidised fare.

No changes will be made to children who already receive a free bus pass.

The changes were passed by Blackburn with Darwen Council executive board meeting.

Coun Maureen Bateson said: “The changes are only coming in September next year for new starters who do not meeting the qualifying distance or attend their nearest school.

“We will still continue to provide a subsidised service to all children travelling to school and the new system will be fairer for everyone travelling by bus.”