New school bus route approved — just a bit too late

They have only had a short time to enjoy it, but a new direct bus route to Kelvin Grove State College could cease due to coronavirus.

Kelvin Grove State College students who live in the Bardon area will in future be able to catch a direct bus to the school after a Government change of heart. But it may have come too late. Picture: AAP/David Clark

A State Government change of heart to allow a new, direct bus route to Kelvin Grove State College has been widely welcomed — but it may have come too late to help this year if schools shut due to coronavirus.

Residents in Bardon and surrounding suburbs have complained for years that their children have to catch two buses to get to the in-demand college, even though it is only a short drive. After not seeming to be swayed by their arguments last year when raised by Westside News, Transport Minister Mark confirmed in an answer to a Question on Notice from local Greens MP Michael Berkman that a new 775 school route would be added in term 1 this year.

“The new school service covers the areas of Bardon, Paddington, Ashgrove, Rosalie and Red Hill, providing a one-seat journey to and from Kelvin Grove State College,’’ Mr Bailey said.

“The Department of Transport and Main Roads’ TransLink Division (TransLink) and delivery

partners undertake reviews of the school bus network biannually to ensure services are

consistent and provide reliability of travel.

“Given the recent change introduced at Kelvin Grove State College, TransLink is satisfied that the school bus networks for both that school, as well as Indooroopilly State High School, meet the needs of their communities.’’

New S775 school bus route, as posted on Mr Berkman’s Facebook page.

Mr Berkman, the state MP for Maiwar, said he had lobbied for six months including launching a petition.

“Well, I’m thrilled to say we had a win,’’ he said.

“The campaign was quite impressive — coverage in the local paper, a petition and many letters, email and calls to the Minister’s office.’’

He said although it was a winding route, the alternative had for years been to change at Roma St train/bus station.

“This new route is really important, especially for younger kids or those with heavy bags and musical instruments to carry,’’ Mr Berkman said.

The new route “S775” — only for school students — began at the start of the school year and runs once in the morning, arriving at 8.20am, and once in the afternoon, leaving at 3.10pm.

Council will operate it on behalf of TransLink.

Mr Berkman said he was also supporting parents at the Queensland Academy for Science, Mathematics and Technology in Toowong who were trying to improve public transport access and reduce the number of parents forced to drive for school drop off.