Update on St John's High School Bus Service

I was pleased to read in tonight's Evening Telegraph the views of the Roman Catholic Church's representative on the Education Committee, Mgr McCaffrey, he made his views clear on the need for bus services between the West End and St John's High School. Monsignor McCaffrey's views are outlined below.


For myself, I am clear that the underlying factor in the problems faced by St John's pupils trying to get from the West End to their school and back is that bus companies are under no obligation to operate non-profit making services. Both bus companies in Dundee can focus on profitable routes and they do not have to provide a social service to anyone. This is a legacy of bus deregulation implemented in the 1980s. I think that this issue along with a number of other issues, such as the inability to go by bus from parts of the West End ward to Lochee High Street, make the case for more regulation of buses. I think that in return for licences to run profitable services there should also be an obligation to provide socially useful services such as a service to St John's and services for many areas with an elderly population.



The City Council, though, needs to act and find a solution for those pupils who are at St John's just now. These pupils generally live within the catchment area of the school, they generally attended one of the feeder primary schools for St John's, namely St Joseph's Primary. The lack of an adequate bus service is making many parents question whether they would want to send their children to St John's. To replace the number 4 service which National Express Dundee withdrew the City Council replaced this with a subsidised bus service the number 204. This service does not include services to St John's at the beginning and end of the school day. The Education and City Development Departments should look at this issue. Susidised bus services run to St Paul's Academy, as the council report from June points out, and parents of pupils at Harris Academy have rightly been promised that when the school decants to the Rockwell site during the rebuilding of Harris Academy that buses will be provided from the West End, and elsewhere, to the Rockwell site. I do not see what the difference is here. Parents and pupils at St John's should receive the same consideration.

I am pleased that my colleague Jenny Marra MSP, herself a former pupil at St John's, has made clear her support for West End parents who are concerned about getting their children to and from St John's High School in a reasonable time.




Statement from Monsignor Ken McCaffrey:

'National Express recently removed from service a bus that served a significant proportion of St. John’s RC High School’s catchment area – the number 4S – a decision which has had significant consequences for some of St. John’s most vulnerable youngsters and on the school’s local community. It is no exaggeration to say that the decision has far-reaching implications not only for the young people of St. John’s RC High School but for the future of Catholic Education itself in the City of Dundee.'

'As the government tries to encourage us to be responsible citizens who use public transport, it is ironic that our youngsters are being almost forced to do the opposite. Whilst walking the two or more miles is an option, inclement weather, damp clothes and soggy schoolbooks do not encourage anyone to be a successful learner. Parents have tried to fill the void that has been left by the removal of this service but this has served only to dramatically increase congestion as in excess of 20 cars are now dropping off their sons and daughters. Such an increase in traffic can only increase the potential for an accident near the school.'

'For those who continue to try and use public transport, they now have to purchase two bus passes – one for Strathtay Buses and the other for National Express – almost immediately doubling the cost of travel for one child. This will have a significant effect on family budgets. In order to help their child attend school and become an effective contributor to society, some families may have to consider making additional reductions in other areas of spending. In addition the journey now takes almost one hour – each way. Some of most vulnerable young people aged 11/12 years old are being asked to make this extended journey. Even the most confident of individuals may be a little less so when hanging around at bus stops on a dark winter’s evening.'

'Of course, the current financial situation is difficult for all – including bus companies. But surely there is a moral responsibility to the community in which companies operate and Dundee City Council have a duty to see that duty is taken seriously. National Express carried out a survey of users of the service but this survey took place in April and May when senior pupils were on exam leave. The company made no effort to consult with the Education Department, St. John’s High School, the Parent Council, parents or even the young people themselves. A purely financial decision was made that takes no account of the social responsibilities that bus companies also have. Surely bus companies have a social responsibility to their community as well as to their shareholders? The fact that it may be too expensive for some families to send their children to the designated Catholic High school seems to be of no interest to National Express but it is of great concern to the Church and the community of St John’s and should be of concern to Dundee City Council’s Education Department and the elected members.'

'We would ask that National Express enters into discussion with the Education Department and considers the whole of the St. John’s catchment area in the West End of the city. With more than 250 families in this area surely it is possible to provide a service that meets the needs of the whole community as well as National Express’ profit margins.'