TransLink is making changes to a number of local school bus routes in Ipswich to respond to growing demand for student travel.
Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard said the changes will be in place from Term 4.
"A second TransLink school service, operated by Westside Bus Company, will run each morning and afternoon," Ms Howard said.
"This effectively splits the existing route into two which increases the number of seats available for the students.
“I have received many enquiries from constituents about the current bus routes and that there is not enough capacity to meet demand.
“Ipswich’s population is growing which means there has been increased demand for transport to and from schools.
“I am so glad that these changes will be implemented – hopefully this will mean that students across Ipswich will be able to get to school on time.”
Member for Ipswich West Jim Madden said that the new announcement has been introduced to address an increase in commuter demand.
"The current school bus routes 5212 and 6212 have become increasingly busy as they are lengthy routes, covering a large area of Ipswich and surrounding suburbs,” Mr Madden said.
"Splitting the route also results in a shorter run and addresses any overcrowding on this popular school service.
“I want parents and students of these schools to know that we have heard your concerns and are working to meet the increased demand for these bus services.
“I hope that the changes to these bus routes will assist the students from schools in the Electorate of Ipswich West that use these bus services.”
In the morning, route 5212 currently drops students at St Mary's Primary School, St Edmund's College, Ipswich State High School, West Moreton Anglican College, Ipswich West State School, Ipswich Central State School and Silkstone State School.
Afternoon route 6212 currently serves students from Immaculate Heart School, West Moreton Anglican College, Ipswich State High School, Ipswich Grammar School, St Mary's Primary School, St Edmund's College, Ipswich Girls' Grammar School, Redbank Plains State School.
Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum said these school routes provide transport to many schools in the area.
“The new routes will service the same schools, run along the current route, and use existing bus stops,” Mr McCallum said.
"From term four, TransLink will split the route with one bus completing one portion of the route, and a second bus completing the remainder of the existing route.
“Students in Bundamba deserve to have a consistent, efficient bus service.
“I have spoken to many parents who share my concerns with the current service timetable – I am optimistic that these changes will provide a solution.”
For full information on the new routes and any stop timing changes please contact the operator.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads works with service delivery partners to provide more than 1,400 school routes across Queensland (2019-20).
More than $175 million annually (Department of Education funding) for the School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS), assisting about 130,000 school students in Queensland.
