Statement on Stagecoach Bus Fares - 08/01/2020
8th January 2020
The Olympus Academy Trust would like to confirm that it does not hold any contracts with bus companies for school transport as it is the responsibility of the local authority to provide public transport to schools for eligible students.
Stagecoach, formerly South Gloucestershire Bus and Coach Company, provides a private bus service to Winterbourne Academy for those students who do not qualify for a bus pass. This is run independently and there is no contract with Winterbourne Academy or the Olympus Academy Trust.
Following an increase in fares, parents and carers have complained to the school and we have endeavoured to investigate the situation.
Parents and carers in the first instance should check with South Gloucestershire Council to see if they qualify for a free school bus pass. You can find the information here:
https://www.southglos.gov.uk//documents/Travel-to-School-Assistance-Web-Update-May-2019.pdf
Parents and carers who live locally and do not qualify for a bus pass and who are unhappy with increases in bus fares should complain directly to Stagecoach by email at west.enquiries@stagecoachbus.com. We are assured by Stagecoach that emails will receive prompt attention.
We have agreed with Stagecoach that we will pass on a statement from their company to Winterbourne parents and carers so that Stagecoach can address the situation.
In the meantime, we have asked Stagecoach for their pricing structure and as soon as it is received we will post it on the school website.
Neither the Olympus Academy Trust nor Winterbourne Academy were aware that Stagecoach intended to increase fares on some routes; the first we knew about it was from parental complaints and we have investigated the situation on their behalf.
Although we are not responsible for transport to and from school, clearly we want to support families where there are concerns such as those that have arisen this week.
Julia Anwar, Head of Business Operations
On behalf of Winterbourne Academy and Olympus Academy Trust.
