School run struggles for Waverley families
PARENTS in Waverley say their children are struggling to get to school on time, prompting questions about whether the current bus service to Brinsworth Academy is fit for purpose.
The concern is due to be discussed at the next meeting of South Yorkshire’s Transport Advisory Group on November 19, after being submitted through Councillor Jamie Baggaley on behalf of a resident.
According to meeting documents, parents say the 95 First Bus service offers only one morning journey that gets pupils to Brinsworth Academy in time for lessons. Other buses arrive either around half an hour too early or too late, leaving families with limited travel options as more Waverley children attend the school.
In a written response, the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) said it had not been made aware of any overloading issues on the route, and noted that Brinsworth Academy is not the catchment school for Waverley. However, the authority said it would monitor demand.
First Bus, which also provided a response for the agenda papers, says Waverley is in the catchment for Aston Academy, where SYMCA has already introduced new school transport. The operator adds that large housing developments across the UK often outpace the delivery of secondary schools, and while Waverley includes a new primary school, no secondary school has been built.
Because Brinsworth is outside the catchment area, First Bus says it does not expect additional funding for extra journeys.
The Transport Advisory Group will consider the issue at its meeting, with both SYMCA and First Bus indicating they will continue to monitor the situation as pupil numbers rise.