First Bus backs Carr Manor pupils with service changes to improve school day.
A group of pupils from our House Council have been working with First Bus to develop a dedicated bus service to better meet the needs of pupils and families in the area.
A group of 120 pupils from Years 9 – 11 were trained by a team from Leeds Citizens in listening and leadership skills. This helped them get the views of our school community, to see what changes they would like to see.
A bus service around the school day to better meet the travel needs of young people and families emerged from these sessions and First Bus responded by meeting with the pupils in March, followed by a series of discussions to decide a plan.
In response to the campaign, First Bus created a pool of drivers dedicated to the CM3 school service operating from Halton Moor and made timetable changes to the 7 and 91 services to synchronise more closely with Carr Manor’s start and end of lessons.
Tom Bridge, Operations Director at First Bus in West Yorkshire, said: “We’re always willing to hear the views of customers on services and consider how practical changes might be made. The pupils impressed us with their ideas and in explaining the travel challenges for families and how Carr Manor and other schools would benefit from adjustments.
Lola, aged 15, said: “I am very happy with the changes that have been made with the bus timetables and I’m thankful that the members of First Bus worked so well with us.”
Another pupil, Rumani, aged 15, added: “It’s great to see there have been changes with the 91 and 7; I cannot wait to experience these.”
Babacar, aged 15, added “I’m excited about the changes and look forward to seeing the reliability of these key services improve.”
The pupils involved have shown excellent determination and communication skills and their achievements will have a positive impact on the whole school community.
