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‘Operation back to school by bus’ hailed a success
Round the clock efforts ensured all school bus routes withdrawn by Stagecoach were retendered in time for students returning after the half term holiday.
Cllr Bryony Goodliffe, chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s children and young People’s Committee said: “We were disappointed when Stagecoach announced they were withdrawing these vital services.
“However, first class work by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and the county and city councils to find alternative providers started immediately.
“I am delighted that all children entitled to free school transport have it this week as they return after the half term break.”
Stagecoach announced last month it was withdrawing several uneconomical key routes, including several which were used by children going to and from school.
All school bus routes withdrawn by Stagecoach were retendered in time for students returning after the half term holiday.
However, education transport officers at Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council worked with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to ensure that all school bus routes were covered in time for when pupils returned to school this week after half term.
A county council spokesperson said: “Travel arrangements for all pupils entitled to transport assistance from their council have therefore been covered.
“Work is ongoing with providers to secure services for those not entitled to transport assistance, but who use the bus services anyway to travel to and from school/college.”
