SCHOOL buses serving Winterbourne Academy have been saved after South Gloucestershire Council negotiated an increase in fares.

Bus operator Stagecoach had said it would withdraw the routes that transport pupils from neighbouring communities as of September.

But South Gloucestershire Council says it has negotiated with Stagecoach to save the services - in return for a marginal fare increase for some trips. 

This will mean the fares are the same across all Winterbourne School services.

As the Regional Transport Authority, WECA is responsible for public bus services, including those serving schools and “supported routes” subsidised by the local councils, but South Gloucestershire council claims it failed to act in the face of cuts to the commercial 427, 458, 459 and 460 services.

Councillor Steve Reade, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Environment and Strategic Infrastructure, said: “I am pleased we have been able to work alongside Winterbourne Academy to save these buses and keep public transport serving for pupils.

"I am, however, extremely concerned that the WECA Mayor felt ensuring local children have a sustainable method of getting to school was not worth support and was happy to shirk his responsibilities once again, leaving the Council to pick up the pieces.”

Councillors Nic Labuschagne and Trevor Jones, who represent Winterbourne, said: “It’s disappointing that the WECA Mayor would not intervene to save these buses, despite the claims about the vast amount of funding at the Combined Authority’s disposal.

"Winterbourne Academy is an excellent school with children wanting to attend from many of our neighbouring communities and we need to be giving them the ability to do so.

"We would call on the Mayor to reconsider his position and work with the providers to find a long-term solution that keeps costs down for residents.”

Among areas that would have been affected would have been Frenchay, Downend, Lyde Green, Emersons Green, Bromley Heath, Frampton Cotterell, Coalpit Heath, Bradley Stoke, Stoke Gifford and Patchway.