Parents are furious as buses repeatedly fail to pick up students in Broadheath, causing lateness and safety concerns.
One mom was shocked by her son’s bus route. It went near Manchester City’s stadium. Stephen Rhodes works for Transport for Greater Manchester. He said they want reliable bus services, called Bee Network. It started in southern Greater Manchester in January.
Students use the 746 and 759 buses. They go to three schools: boys’ and girls’ Altrincham Grammar Schools, and Loreto Grammar School for girls. A reporter saw a bus skip a stop. The 746 bus passed 15 waiting kids. This happened on Sinderland Road by a primary school. The 759 bus stopped soon after. Students going to Loreto boarded it.
Mahzar Kazmi’s son goes to the boys’ school. He said the buses get full. Then, they leave kids at the stop. Kids must call parents or walk. Most parents can’t pick them up because they work. Naeem Peerzada’s daughter goes to the girls’ school. He said this happens weekly.
The school makes late students make up the time, even if the lateness is not their fault. Drivers should stop, parents say. A transport spokesperson knows about the bus concerns. They are sorry for the problems for families. They investigate ways to add more space on buses. This would help kids at that stop.
James Whiting works at the boys’ grammar school. He knows of no kids missing buses home due to lateness beyond their control. The girls’ grammar school had no comment. Jane Beever leads Loreto Grammar School. She knows bus issues can be tough. Andy Burnham is the mayor of Greater Manchester.
He knows of bus problems on another route. The 203 bus had issues between Stockport and Piccadilly Gardens. Moms complained about delays causing lateness. Burnham said buses are as good as before, maybe better. This applies in southern Greater Manchester.