Victory for Surrey Parents as Council Announces Replacement for Axed School Bus Service

Strategic Insights -

A group of campaigning parents in Surrey have won a significant victory after Surrey County Council announced it would replace the axed free bus service for Molesey and Esher High School students. The council initially advised the children to walk through unlit heathland and dark alleyways, sparking widespread concern among parents. Following months of petitions, pressure from senior politicians, and community activism, the council has now confirmed that Falcon will trial an additional 814 service from Molesey to Esher, ensuring the children's safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Surrey County Council initially axed the free bus service for Molesey and Esher High School students, advising them to walk through unlit heathland and dark alleyways, sparking widespread concern among parents.
  • A group of campaigning parents launched a petition and lobbied senior politicians, including MP for Esher and Walton, Monica Harding, to reinstate the bus service.
  • The council has now announced that Falcon will trial an additional 814 bus service from Molesey to Esher, initially running as a trial for the first half-term of the 2025/26 academic year.
  • The extra service will bring the total number of buses on the 814 route to four, providing a safer option for the students.
  • Parents and carers are being encouraged to take up this new provision, with Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council, stating that the council will monitor the use of the new service before deciding whether it is needed on a longer-term basis.
  • The campaign by parents and the community has been hailed as a success, with Esher High School headteacher Andy King praising the "powerful, united voice" that led to the reinstatement of the bus service.

Statistics:

  • 81 students from Esher High School lost access to free coach transport when the service was axed (Source: Esher High School letter to parents).
  • The additional 814 bus service will bring the total number of buses on the 814 route to four.
  • The new service will initially run as a trial for the first half-term of the 2025/26 academic year.
  • The council will monitor the use of the new service before deciding whether it is needed on a longer-term basis (Source: Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth).

Sources:

  • Esher High School letter to parents (date not specified).
  • Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Highways, Transport and Economic Growth at Surrey County Council.
  • Monica Harding, MP for Esher and Walton.