South Lakeland's sixth form students could see the cost of rail travel more than quadruple next year.
The plans - by Northern Rail, have been slammed by South Lakes MP Tim Farron as a “tax on rural students”.
He's now launched a campaign for subsidised rail passes.
Previously, they'd been eligible for a subsidised student rail pass on the Lakes Line, paying around £250.
But now they're faced with the prospect of buying a full adult season ticket - costing more than £1,000.
Mr Farron has written to Northern Rail to call for this decision to be reversed. You can read his letter below.
He said: “It is compulsory for students to be in education or training until the age of 18, yet students from rural areas will now face astronomical fees simply to attend Sixth Form. This is utterly wrong – it is a tax on rural students.
“I am extremely concerned that this decision by rail bosses will cut down the options available to young people. Students will have their choices dictated not by where they will be happiest or most successful, but instead by cost. Students that have been at schools in Kendal for many years and have established friendship groups face being priced out of Sixth Form.
“I am calling on Northern Rail to overturn their decision to get rid of cheap travel for post-16 students.”
In his letter to Alex Hynes, Managing Director of Northern Rail Ltd, Mr Farron wrote: "I write to represent my constituents with regard to the removal of subsidised rail passes for post 16 students.
"This decision will have a dramatic financial impact on many families as they live in rural locations and are forced to travel to the nearest sixth form provision within their catchment area. The rail pass has cost up to the end of secondary school in the region of £250 per year, but these changes will mean that parents will be liable for the adult season ticket fare, which jumps dramatically to over £1000.
"For many students who live in Windermere and have attended Queen Katherine School for all their secondary education, this huge cost will threaten their ability to continue friendships and the well established relationship with the school. By increasing the fare so dramatically, there is no doubt that some students' decisions will be influenced by cost rather than by where they would be happy and successful and this potentially limits the choices they will make.
"Is there any way in which this decision can be re-visited, particularly given the geography of this county, where travelling to and from educational institutions is a necessity for many young people?
"Given that young people, aged between 16-18 years are now compelled to remain in education or training, it seems unjust that businesses capitalise upon this and revert to charging an adult fare. I know any change of heart would be roundly welcomed and would be a very positive PR story for Northern Rail."
The petition is here.