Parents complain about Bee Network buses in Greater Manchester. Sixth formers direct drivers unfamiliar with routes.
Parents claim a bus was late and took strange detours. Drivers appeared panicked, too. Parents call this a safety problem. Tom Lomas worries about routes 768 and 761, which go to St Ambrose College in Hale Barns, starting in Hazel Grove.
Tom feels kids are getting a “magical mystery tour.” He thinks the extra travel time is bad, leaving kids tired when they get to school. Another parent said the 768 bus was often late, more than 25 minutes behind schedule, forcing her to drive her son to school.
She also mentions bus 761, which follows a similar route. Once, it was two hours late, arriving at the college at 6 pm. Buses also went “round in circles.” The parent said her son sent photos showing sixth formers directing drivers, with the bus passing Stockport Pyramid once.
She wonders when it becomes a safety issue, believing the kids are vulnerable. The parent agreed with the Bee Network’s goals. However, routes 768 and 761 are “problematic.” A private company, Belle Vue, ran the buses well until January 5.
Now, TfGM manages all the buses. Stephen Rhodes, TfGM’s bus director, apologized for the problems, acknowledging delays made kids late. TfGM is watching closely and working to improve bus service.
TfGM said bus 768 was only late twice in February, both delays under 10 minutes due to roadwork. Bus 761 arrived late four times in the evening and left school late only twice, with delays less than 10 minutes.