MP CALLS FOR RESIDENTS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON SHENE SCHOOL BUS PLANS

4.59.53pm GMT Tue 2nd Feb 2010

Susan Kramer, MP for Richmond Park and North Kingston has secured agreement from Transport for London to look again at a new proposal to solve the problems at Shene School.

Transport for London had initially dismissed the plan because it would result in residents waiting two minutes longer for a 33 bus between 3pm and 4pm (from eight minutes to ten minutes).

While Transport for London look again at the plan, the local MP is asking local residents to let her know their views.

Susan Kramer MP commented:

"I want to know whether local residents would prefer a small two minute increase in waiting time between 3pm and 4pm to the current congestion of youngsters waiting at bus stops and on the buses during this hour.

"Diverting two buses requires no extra money, and in return for a slightly longer wait, passengers would get a much more comfortable journey.

"Eliminating tensions at the bus stop would significantly ease the already improving relations between the school and the local community, and provide a good start for the new Academy when it opens."

At a meeting with Transport for London last year, Susan Kramer proposed that during the first hour at the end of the school day two number 33 buses should be terminated at the East Sheen stop (near Waitrose) to travel to Shene School. Children could then be collected from within the school site and taken to Hammersmith, alleviating much of the overcrowding on other bus services.