First Bus backs Carr Manor students with service changes to improve school day
- Dedicated pool of drivers on CM3 school service in Leeds
- Timetable change to 7 and 91 services in Leeds to link with school day
- Driving team based at Bramley depot
First Bus and students at Carr Manor Community School in Leeds have worked to develop a dedicated bus service that is being hailed a success in the early weeks of the new half-term.
The bus operator and pupils at the school in Moortown, north west of the city, were brought together by Leeds Citizens, a charity supporting member organisations from education and the community.
A group of 30 students aged 14-16 were trained by a team from Leeds Citizens in listening and leadership skills to get the views of Carr Manor’s 1,500 pupils on initiatives they would like to see to improve life in the school.
A bus service around the school day to better meet the travel needs of young people and families emerged from these sessions and First Bus responded by meeting with the students in March, followed by a series of discussions to decide a plan.
First Bus has created a pool of drivers dedicated to the CM3 school service operating from Halton Moor and made timetable changes to the 7 and 91 services to synchronise more closely with Carr Manor’s start and end of lessons.
Tom Bridge, Operations Director at First Bus in West Yorkshire, said: “We’re always willing to hear the views of customers on services and consider how practical changes might be made. The students impressed us with their ideas and in explaining the travel challenges for families and how Carr Manor and other schools would benefit from adjustments.
“The service is underway and we will be monitoring performance and listening to feedback from students and parents.”
Lola, aged 15, said: “I am very happy with the changes that have been made with the bus timetables and I'm thankful that the members of First Bus worked so well with us.”
Another pupil, Rumani, aged 15, added: “It’s great to see there have been changes with the 91 and 7; I cannot wait to experience these.”
Babacar, aged 15, added “I'm excited about the changes and look forward to seeing the reliability of these key services improve.”
Vicki Walker, Assistant Principal at Carr Manor Community School, said: “I am very proud of what this group of pupils have achieved as part of our House Council work. They have shown excellent communication skills and determination, and their achievements will have a positive impact on the whole school community.”
Picture captions:
Carr Manor School_1: Chris Burton, Operations Manager of the First Bus Bramley depot from where the CM3 team operates and driver Sarah Wilkinson with pupils celebrate the arrival of the new service.
Carr Manor School_2: Pupils Babacar and Rumani meet driver Sarah Wilkinson.
Carr Manor_3: Pupils Davonte, Zakiyyat and Lola look over the bus.
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Notes to editors
Media enquiries to Richard Harrison, PR Manager, First Bus North & West Yorkshire 07973 668116 richard.m.harrison@firstbus.co.uk
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