Port Stephens residents will have a chance to voice their concerns about school bus services during two community forums.
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Port Stephens MP Kate Washington will host meetings in Medowie and Tanilba Bay on Monday, March 19 and Tuesday, March 20 to hear directly from parents, carers and high school students about their school bus experiences.
Overcrowding, missed services and students standing on buses at high speeds have been voiced as concerns by parents and carers.
Speaking to the Examiner earlier in March, Lemon Tree Passage father Stephen Kirk described the school bus service between the Tilligerry Peninsula and Raymond Terrace, which his twin sons Sam and Jack use, as an accident waiting to happen.
“Anyone who's standing up in a collision is going to die, no question about it,” Mr Kirk said. “It's Russian roulette.”
The Department of Education has said it has taken all available precautions to safeguard the students. But transport regulations have left parents hamstrung.
While the government works to adopt stricter requirements for the passage of students to and from schools in regional areas – including seatbelts on buses – Port Stephens won’t benefit from the changes.
The School Bus Safety Community Advisory Committee recommendations apply only to Rural and Regional Bus Contract areas. Port Stephens is part of the Outer Sydney Metropolitan Bus Contract area despite its regional speed zones.
Ms Washington said local bus companies and a representative of the Transport Minister have been invited to attend the meetings to hear directly from parents and carers.
“I’m holding these meetings to give parents an opportunity to raise their concerns in the hope that we can see change which will make our kids safer,” she said.
“Parents in Port Stephens should not fear for the safety of their children when they step onto a school bus. But sadly, with the history of accidents, ongoing overcrowding and no seat belts, parents are very concerned.”
Medowie forum
Location: Medowie Christian School, 6A Waropara Road, Medowie
Day: Monday, March 19
Time: 6pm
Tilligerry forum
Location: Tilligerry RSL, Lemon Tree Passage Road, Tanilba Bay
Day: Tuesday, March 20
Time: 6pm