'Gridlocked traffic chaos' outside Outwood Academy City after school axes home time bus, says Sheffield mum
“It’s chaos, totally gridlocked traffic and noise. It makes me feel ill”
A trust’s decision to cut an afternoon school bus service has led to “chaos” at home time, a Sheffield mum says.
Families at Outwood Academy City, in Stradbroke Road, found out two days before the new term that the 710 bus for pupils would no longer run after 3pm.
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Outwood called the axing a “difficult decision,” stating the after-school bus is “no longer financially viable” and keeping it would have meant upping the prices to triple that of standard public transport.
However, a mum claims the roads outside the school are now “gridlocked” on afternoons with the addition of “50 to 60” cars as parents pick up their children.
She told The Star: “It’s the worst I’ve ever seen it.
“It’s chaos, totally gridlocked traffic and noise. It makes me feel ill.
“Losing the bus has disrupted lots of people.
“It’s so busy I think it’s only a matter of time until there’s an accident.
“Since I have to pick up my other child from Ridgeway Primary and now have to come to Outwood as well, I get in the car at 2pm and don’t get home until 3.45pm earliest, every day.
“Sure, the old bus meant my children had to walk 15 minutes when they got off, but it was such a big help.”
The mum also criticised the short notice Outwood gave parents.
The change was announced in a video released two days before the start of term on September 7.
When the mum contacted ward councillors for Birley, Luke Goddard and Jack Byrom [both Reform], they replied that their understanding was the cuts were made to support the school’s rising SEND provision.
The mum says she has had no reply after writing to complain to the head of school and the board of governors.
Meanwhile, Outwood is encouraging pupils waiting for a later pick up or bus to get involved in an after-school club as a place to be until 3.30pm.
A spokesperson for Outwood Academy City, operated by Outwood Grange Academies Trust, said: “We made the difficult decision to discontinue our after-school bus service as it is no longer financially viable. Operating costs have risen significantly, driven largely by low afternoon passenger numbers.
“To sustain the service, fares would have needed to increase, making the cost to families three times higher than standard public transport; a decision which we did not feel was fair.
"We sincerely apologise for the short notice regarding this change. This resulted from extended budget discussions over the summer break, as we explored every way to continue the service.
"We are actively supporting families during this transition by helping them map out suitable public bus routes. Families requiring help with travel arrangements should contact the school directly.
"For students who need to remain at school for pickup, our daily enrichment sessions run until 3.30 PM, providing a safe, supervised space after regular school hours.
"We contacted our local MP to inquire about potential council assistance, though additional funding remains unlikely under current constraints."