Transport from Cheltenham to Ribston/Crypt-poss new service?

[Crypt Bus]

NEW SERVICE. Please read:
Having had the Express Travel experience for just three days now, I am already sure it is not a relationship I wish to develop long term! I was prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt having read past threads and talking to previous families using the 'service' but I never thought it would be so awful so quickly.

The buses they use don't even look roadworthy('K'reg yikes!!!) and as already has been mentioned broke down yesterday on the way to school. The replacement bus was too small so some children were left on the pavement as the bus drove by! It took almost two hours to get to school. They have been late everyday picking up from school so the children have been getting home exhausted after 5pm(particularly the new year 7s)and all for the extortionate sum of £1320 per year. Their response to me regarding this was rude to say the very least.

Having arranged a new bus service for Tommies last year, I am happy to say I have agreed another one with Marchant's for this route this year They are more than willing to start running it from as early as next week if needs be!! The price is also FAR LESS than ET so please if you wish to be included for the new service. PM me asap to register and I can give you the details.

If you can pass this on to as many pupils and their families as possible, we have every chance of being successful as quickly as possible.

Many thanks

[capers123]

Having arranged a new bus service for Tommies last year, I am happy to say I have agreed another one with Marchant's for this route this year They are more than willing to start running it from as early as next week if needs be!! The price is also FAR LESS than ET so please if you wish to be included for the new service.

My other half would comment that the Marchant's bus would probably take about half the time of any other service. Back in the 19xx's the school bus serving some of the 'north of Cheltenham' villages took the corners on two wheels

My personal experience of Marchant's coaches nowadays is good and safe.

[DC17C]

I must admit I thought it odd to see a school bus pitch up at Crypt full of children at about 9.10 yesterday.

[Bikerboy]

Based on what I've read about ET, this new service sounds like something I'd be interested in for DS. Any idea of costs or what areas the route is likely to cover. Looking at all options at this stage as considering a move to Cheltenham. DD travels to Pates on Bennetts and have to say always found the service excellent (including the admin!) Has anyone considered approaching Bennetts to see what they could offer???

[Stressed?Moi?]

Crypt bus has posted on separate thread (headed Cheltenham-crypt bus service) so by all means contact her as she is arranging one to Crypt. Unfortunately, it all seems to be boys this year, so not many takers for Ribston. I know she was keen for others to join up so give her a shout. Cheers

[cazien]

Have received letters from Crypt to inform us Marchants wants to run service Chelt to Crypt and Bennetts wants to provide a service from Chelt to both Crypt and Ribston - great to have a choice other than Stagecoach and ET!

Decisions decisions which one do we go for!

[11plus2]

Hi, I'm new to this forum but I will be looking for transport for DD from Churchdown to Ribston starting September 2014 (she's starting in year 8!).

Are there any details of the new bus services i.e. routes, times, prices etc. ?

I was starting to get very worried when I came accross the posts describing the existing service

Cheers.

[Shenandoah]

Hi 11plus2

Great to hear of another from Churchdown! My son and a friend started at Crypt in September in Year 7 and we are both from Churchdown.

We had an agreement with Express Travel from very early on that they would pick up in Churchdown but we were very badly let down one week before the school holidays after numerous assurances from them that they would deliver the payment forms, only to then draw our own conclusion (by the fact that we could get no communication with them at all in the end) that that wasn't going to happen. Had to then spend summer holidays working out alternative arrangements although I think it was a blessing in disguise now.

Have spoken with Bennetts and they seem happy to pick up in Churchdown although I think it's too early for times and prices yet.

Cheers.

[Flash]

Hi there

Is there any more news on the potential bus service from Cheltenham to Ribston?

Thank you

[Stressed?Moi?]

Hi there

Is there any more news on the potential bus service from Cheltenham to Ribston?

Thank you

Seems like there is general discontentment from ET users (surprise, surprise!!). The email from Ribston gives the following information:

If you are interested in the possible new service, please contact Melissa Lovell at Bennetts Coaches directly on 01452 527809 or by email: Melissa.lovell@bennettscoaches.co.uk

They have apparently had "lots of interest" and are collating information on pick up points, year groups etc and will be contacting those who have shown interest shortly with details. They have an extremely up-to-date fleet of buses and are aiming to be as competitive as possible, depending obviously on take-up. They aren't sure when the new service would start as some parents would be reluctant to leave ET due to them having "signed up" until July (we have said that we feel entitled to leave as they aren't providing the service that we are paying £1300+ for ie, to safely and punctually transport our dd to school).

So for those who are sick of their kids being transported in ancient buses and being late, you need to contact them as soon as possible - please pass on the word. Even if you don't want to leave ET yet, it is worth showing interest for the future.

Cheers