Please provide the following information regarding the school transport routes BR002 and BR003.
1) Size of bus and number of pupils expected – BR003 (and last year’s numbers).
The current vehicle size of the contract for the BR003 route for 2024/25 academic year is 33 with 33 students allocated to the route. In previous years, the contracted size of the vehicle was 37-seater with 36 allocated between September 2023 and May 2024 before the Year 11 study leave.
2) Size of bus and number of pupils expected – BR002
The current vehicle size of the contract for the BR002 route for 2024/25 academic year is a 22-seater which has been increased for the new academic year. Previously the contract was a 19-seater vehicle since September 2020.
3) Please also clarify in writing your statement “who stayed on which bus was decided in consultation with the contractor”
We liaised with the contractor about who would be best suited to be transferred over from BR003 to the BR002. It was established that some of the single pick-up points along the B3230 and the Muddiford Inn stop would be best suited for the smaller vehicle. This considered route and road safety as well as accessibility.
4) Please clarify why a bigger bus cannot be utilised when the last pick up that I am aware of is at Longpiece hence the Ashford/Heaton Road could be avoided if this is the problem?
After reviewing the options with our contractor, it was deemed that the route that would be used to get to the school would not accommodate a larger vehicle safely.
5) Please clarify that all pupils travelling on the bus BR003 reside permanently at home addresses on the route?
As far as the Council is aware all pupils live at an address on the route. We cannot be sure if it is permanent at this time, but the information we have been given confirms all of the children travelling on this route reside at an address on the route.
We rely on up-to-date information from both parents and schools whenever a student(s) moves as there still might be transport entitlement from their new home. Those from spilt families we seek information relating to any benefits they are in receipt of from the HMRC as the address would be classed as the child(ren)s main home address.
6) Please provide a detailed map OF BR002, including stops.
Please see the map here.