Local government leaders have warned the cost of specialist school travel will reach £1.2bn within five years.
The Local Government Association said the costs of providing transport in England – including taxis for children with special education needs – is unsustainable.
Around 550,000 young people currently receive free home-to-school transport each year, of which around 145,000 are pupils with special educational needs and disability (SEND).
A joint report by the LGA and County Councils Network, reveals the cost to councils of providing home-to-school transport has increased by £66m over four years between 2014/15 and 2017/18.
It projected a rise by a further £127m to reach £1.2bn a year by 2024.
