Witham MP Priti Patel has raised concerns with bus service provider Central Connect and Essex County Council over serious issues raised with bus services travelling to and from Honywood School. Since the start of the new school year earlier this month, parents have raised concerns about above inflation increases to bus pass costs while bus routes travelling to and from Honywood have been over-crowded with pupils unable to board. In a recent development, some pupils who receive free bus pass travel entitlement from Essex County Council have been directed to travel on the longer 813 bus route, rather than the 812 bus. This means that pupils travelling between the Kelvedon and Feering area and Honywood would face a journey of around an hour rather than 20 minutes. Priti, who has written to Central Connect and Essex County Council on behalf of families affected, said:
"This situation is unacceptable, chaotic, and disruptive to families and pupils travelling to and from school. The confusion and chaos caused is affecting pupils and causing anxiety. The reports of pupils not being able to board buses and some facing long journeys is worrying and both Central Connect and Essex County Council need to work together to find a solution. Honywood is a popular school and with new housing and a growing population in this part of Essex, action is needed to ensure good transport links exist to get our young people to school safely and on time.”
