Under Manchester’s bus system, 16 to 18 year-olds also receive free bus travel to help them continue with their education.
Students from Penair School in Truro starting college in the autumn said they would like to see something similar.
Maisy said: “I’m going to have to take two different journeys every single morning and after school.
“That will cost £8 a day, which I think is really extortionate.”
Tom agreed: “The college is about £850 for a bus pass, so it’s quite challenging.”
Cara said: “The best option is to get the bus but, obviously, it’s a tricky decision just because of the price and whether it’s worth it.”
Reece added: “I don’t live within walking distance to anywhere that I would like to go, so buses I have to rely on heavily.”
Luke Bazeley, deputy principal of Cornwall College, agreed transport was a “huge barrier” to young people’s life chances.
“Where you live shouldn’t dictate your opportunities.
“When they come for an open day, they go away and look at financially what that looks like for their parents – it does actually put them off and they maybe fall out of education,” he explained.