A SCHOOL bus service for families in Downend has been restored after a deal between Winterbourne Academy, parents and South Gloucestershire Council.
The 458 was axed as a commercial service in 2023 and, after running it on its own for a year, the school said in June that it could no longer afford to support it for the current academic year.
Parents from Downend and Fishponds who relied on the service lobbied the school, council and the West of England Combined Authority to reintroduce it.
A ballot at the start of term for spare seats on two other services – the 459 from Lyde Green and Emersons Green and the 427 from Frenchay – left 29 children still without places.
Parents staged a walk to show the hazards of the ‘approved’ route to their school from Downend, which prompted the council to reassess it.
Winterbourne Academy principal Jenny Cartwright said the school contacted parents to find out who still needed transport before organising an amended 458 route, which also serves Lyde Green and Emersons Green.
South Gloucestershire Council is funding passes for some pupils using the 458, after appeals over eligibility for free transport were successful.
This funding, plus a £209-per-term commitment from parents, has enabled the school to contract Bristol firm Turners Coachways to provide the service.
The school is asking parents whose children had already secured places on the 459 and the 427 but live closer to the 458 route if they want to swap.
Mrs Cartwright said the future viability of the service depends on families continuing to use it.
She said: “Everyone who has asked for a place, committed to and paid for it now has one.
“I hope that this can be secured for future years.
“Were very happy – it’s an enormous amount of strain and worry for people, which we’ve been aware of. We’ve all been trying our best to find a solution.”
Parent Libby Rogers, who campaigned to reinstate the 458, said: “As a group of parents we are delighted that the school and council have recognized the need for this bus and have reinstated it.
“We are continuing to apply pressure on the council and WECA to try and ensure that these services are secure for future years and that we do not have to endure the months of stress that we had this year, not knowing how the children would get to school.”
A council spokesperson said the arrangement with the school to fund some seats on the 458 for pupils eligible for free transport “is for one year only” and will be reviewed during the year.
The spokesperson added: “Working with the school once more, we aim to be able to provide clarity to families about transport options before the next academic year.
“The walking route between Downend and Winterbourne has been assessed as hazardous in some parts.
“However, the decision to operate the 458 was taken by the school before the outcome of the council assessment of the route had been confirmed.”