Agenda and minutes

Apologies:-

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Joe Blackham and Councillor Chris McGuinness.

(A period not exceeding 20 minutes for questions and statements from

members of the public and Elected Members to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones. Questions/Statements should relate specifically to an item of business on the agenda and be limited to a maximum of 100 words. As stated within Executive Procedure Rule 3.3 each person will be allowed to submit one question/statement per meeting.A question may only be asked if notice has been given by delivering it in writing or by e-mail to the Governance Team no later than 5.00 p.m. of the third working day before the day of the meeting. Each question or statement must give the name and address of the person submitting it. Questions/Statements should be sent to the Governance Team, Floor 2, Civic Office, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3BU, or by email to Democratic.Services@doncaster.gov.uk)

Public Questions and Statements

In accordance with Executive Procedure Rule 3.2, Mr V.N Fisher asked Mayor Ros Jones the following question:-

“Two issues of concern.  Firstly, that bus provision for transporting children to Ridgewood Comprehensive School has been reduced from 3 buses in 2016 to 2 buses in 2017.  Secondly, it appears Doncaster along with the rest of South Yorkshire do not have a policy on safe transportation for our young pupil/students which I feel should be established. I hope that both these issues can be addressed.”

The Mayor Ros Jones, gave the following response:-

“Thank you for your question Mr Fisher.

Buses are a vitally important form of transport for school journeys, and are currently provided through a combination of commissioned school services and local bus services.

Unfortunately, as you may be aware, Bright Bus Services recently withdrew its school service in Doncaster. In response to this Doncaster Council has been working in partnership with SYPTE and other bus operators, to ensure that services can continue to meet the needs of pupils and schools.

The Council has a statutory duty to provide free transport for all pupils if their nearest suitable school is beyond 3 miles, although in this case we have actually gone above the requirement, providing bus services which supports pupils living within the 3 miles of school.

I understand that SYPTE has now secured four buses to provide transport for the 227 pupils that receive the free bus passes, with a total capacity for at least 330 passengers. This additional spaces allow Year 12 and 13 pupils, who previously had a free pass, to use the services. It also provides additional spaces for pupils living nearer to school, who either have access to other local bus services or would be expected by the local authority to walk to school.

I am aware, however, that there have been some issues recently with increased demand and pupils not being able to use the service.

I am assured that steps have been taken to improve the situation, although the Council is recommending that pupils living nearer York Road, who do not wish to walk to school, instead use local bus services.

Notwithstanding this, I will raise your concerns and ask that the service is closely monitored, as it is essential that pupils are able to access good school transport services.

In terms of safe transport, I understand that work is currently underway to revise the ‘Pupils on Public Transport’ guidance document, which aims to ensure that all pupils experience a safe and timely journey to and from school.

I will therefore ask that you are contacted with further details of this guidance.

I hope this answers your questions.”

Decision Records dated 5th September, 2017, be noted.

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