Priti Patel to meet with Hedingham boss over bus fare rises

Worried parents have contacted their MP with concerns over Hedingham Omnibuses services ahead of the new school year.

The price of a bus ticket for the bus operator’s 95A service to Maldon’s Plume Academy is set to rise by more than £200 for the academic year, setting some families back by more than £700 per child.

Hedingham’s 92 bus route, which serves Philip Morant School, in Rembrandt Way, Colchester, has also been criticised as its timetable does not fit in with the school day despite being the only suitable route for some pupils.

Bus operator - a Hedingham and Chambers bus (Image: Hedingham and Chambers)

Witham MP Dame Priti Patel said: “I completely understand the worries and concerns parents have about their children getting to school in light of the changes both in cost and timetable for some of the Hedingham services.

“One constituent is potentially facing costs of £1,400 from September to July in order to pay for their two children, who rely on the 95A bus, to get to school. Such a significant increase in cost is causing concern and putting pressure on local family budgets.

“All children are entitled to access education and they shouldn’t be at a disadvantage because of where they live.”

Dame Priti will now be meeting with the bus company’s managing director to share the concerns of her constituents.

Concerned MP - Dame Priti Patel (Image: Archant)

What does the bus company say?

Hedingham boss Gavin Smith said the fare increases were a result of economic challenges and difficulties recruiting drivers.

He said: “Route 95A, a commercial bus service, relies solely on the fares generated by our passengers in order to keep it running.

“In the current financial situation we have to increase our fares, which still remain as low as possible, in order to bring them in line with our other services across Essex.

“To ensure we continue to provide a fair and reliable bus service to our passengers, we have harmonised the fares offered on our contracted school services for Plume Academy to operate at £4 per day which is a reduction on the current fare, to bring it in line with route 95A and to ensure that we have enough space for all those students who wish to travel by any of these services.”

Hedingham runs route 92 on behalf of Essex County Council. The firm has shared the feedback from passengers, including parents of Philip Morant pupils, regarding its route and timetable with the county council.