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Following the success of the 669 bus service, which serves Cleeve Park School, Bexley Council is hoping that more school buses could improve journeys on other routes.
The 669 has proved to be very popular in providing a service between Cleeve Park School and Erith, bypassing Bexleyheath town centre. It was introduced after years of lobbying by Bexley Council. The dedicated service means that passengers don’t have to change buses at Bexleyheath town centre, which is already very busy during school journey hours, and that there should always be enough room on board for Cleeve Park pupils.
Its success means that another bus is required to meet the demand. Transport for London has already agreed to consider this request. The bus also needs to go further to serve Thamesmead and possibly Slade Green as well.
Bexley Council has also identified the need for a similar bus services to St. Columba’s School in Bexleyheath. Nearly 75% of pupils at the school travel by bus. This is excellent news for sustainable travel, but can create overcrowding on some bus routes.
Transport for London has been asked to consider providing a bus route between the school and Thamesmead, which would also bypass Bexleyheath Town Centre. This special bus service would make it easier for the pupils to get on the bus and would reduce the use of the bus stops at the Clocktower, where hundreds of school children congregate during the school journey times.
Cllr Daniel Francis, Cabinet Member for Transport Planning and Parking says: “I am pleased with the success of the dedicated school bus services in the borough. With free bus travel for under 16s, which was introduced in September by the Mayor of London, we are making steady progress in encouraging the borough’s young people to use public transport.
“To ensure that this success continues, the borough needs additional services which will bring major benefits to all bus passengers and particularly school children, other road users and the environment.”
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