State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, has called on the Transport Minister to overhaul the school bus system at Callaghan College Wallsend.
Fletcher has expanded so rapidly, that school routes have not kept up with the new developments being opened up in the area. Ms Hornery has been working with the local bus company to provide additional services but Transport for NSW has so far refused to make significant changes.
School buses in the afternoon have become so congested that students have been walking a number of blocks away from the school to try to get on buses at earlier stops to try to guarantee a seat. This practice has resulted in a student being struck by a car while running to catch a bus.
Ms Hornery will move a Notice of Motion in Parliament today calling on the Minister to overhaul the school bus routes operating from the school.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“Parts of the Wallsend electorate are growing, and growing at a rapid rate, but infrastructure and services are not keeping pace.”
“Parents are frustrated that their children are unable to get a bus in some of the newer parts of Fletcher and are venting their frustration when their child misses a bus in the afternoons because they are full or overcrowded.”
“I have been working with the local bus company to look at expanding services and having buses run closer to the school finishing times, but Transport for NSW is refusing to budge. Requests have been made for the last two years but so far no significant changes have been made.”
“Recently, a student was struck by a car whilst running to catch a bus at a stop closer to the Wallsend CBD. Students have been racing out after school and running up Wentworth Street to other bus stops because they are so concerned about getting a spot on a bus that is usually full when it leaves the school pick up point.”
“If they don’t get a spot on the bus then they are left with no option but to walk home.”
“This is not good enough and I am asking the Minister to look into this and work with local parents and the school to get a system that works and doesn’t put students lives at risk.”