A pooled transport service to help young people with special needs get to school has been set up between two borough councils.

Harrow Council says the joint venture, which it entered into with Brent Council on Friday, will save taxpayers an estimated £1.5m over the next three years.

Around 1,500 four to 18 year olds with physical disabilities or learning difficulties will get to school using the specialist service, and another 300 older people will benefit by being taken to activity and day centres.

Harrow Council said the future of this type of service was under threat with rising pupil numbers placing “unprecedented pressure” on both councils.

The council’s response has been to pool resources and launch the Harrow and Brent Transport Hub, which will serve both boroughs. It will be based at Harrow Council's depot on Forward Drive, Wealdstone.

Harrow councillor Graham Henson, responsible for environment, crime and community safety, said at the launch on Friday: “The division between Brent and Harrow is a made-up line – we have children on both sides of it with profound needs and a right to education.

“Previously, many were travelling in the same direction to the same schools on different buses.

“We’ve removed all that duplication at a stroke and, because of our new size, we’ve also negotiated deals on contracts, including for the taxis that 500 local people rely on daily.”

As well as providing home to school transport, the service helps young people with disabilities to enjoy full and varied lives, and take part in after-school activities, sports clubs and school trips.