Anyone Travelling from Witham to Southend/Westclif schools

[DSKSD]

Hello Parents,

Dos anyone know if there is any mini bus travelling from Witham to Southend / Westcliff schools, I am planning to hire a mini bus, was thinking if anyone would be interested to join their kids.

Thanks
DSKSD

Notes added by Moderator:

Checklist when considering a car share:

• How much do you really know about the other parent from a child safeguarding point of view? (Remember, anyone working with children, e.g. bus drivers for the school service, must have a current DBS form.)

• How much do you really know about their driving skills? Have you seen their insurance and car roadworthy details? (Remember that public transport and dedicated school services are required to have these, to a high level.)

• How would you cope if your child fell out with the other children in the car pool, or wanted to do different after school activities, or didn't want to stay after school when the other children were staying late?

• How would you cope if one of the other car pool parents had their car break down, or off the road for some other reason, at short notice?

• What if it's your turn to drive, and you or your child is sick?

• What if the other family turns out to be unreliable, or the driver/their child is regularly late, or ill?

• What if the other child moves to a different school?

• What if one child needs to stay after school for an activity or event?

• What if the driver smokes when driving?

• What if the driver's conversation turns out to be objectionable or age inappropriate?


(With acknowledgements and thanks to one of our members who suggested that this guidance might prove helpful.)

[ToadMum]

https://csse.org.uk/transport/

Is the 513 not running in September, or is it booked up already?

[DSKSD]

Hi There,

Yes, there is a School bus 513 from Witham to Southend, but it takes about 1hr 45mins in the morning and 2hrs in the evening. I am looking if there is way to cut down the journey time by private hiring if there are more number of people looking to join. Thanks

[2Socks]

I've just been browsing from another area and had to comment - that's an absolutely crazy commute for an adult, let alone a child! At best that's 4 hrs per day door to door - 20 hours per week! If you assume a 7 hr school day, that's nearly 3 extra school days a week - no wonder you're trying to shorten it.

I hated the 45 minute bus commute I had each way, which worked out at at least 2 hrs per day travelling when you take into account getting to the bus stop - absolutely no way would I have done 2x that much and I loved my school. When I was older I ended up cycling - 18 mile round trip; I was the healthiest I've ever been, and it was slightly quicker door to door I don't know your area of the country at all, but if it's the bus route rather than the distance that causes the time (my bus stopped in every village and hamlet and so did 2x the distance that was required), then cycling might be something to consider.

[DSKSD]

Hi There,
Thanks for your time and suggestion. Yes you are right, it is too much of journey for the kid, and it takes more time because as you pointed it’s not door to door service and the bus goes through all the village on the way. Unfortunately this is not a journey my daughter would be able to bike ride as it is 28 miles each way.

I hope we find some alternate like private hire or care share with any other kid already doing this journey. Otherwise, it looks like best option is to relocate somewhere closer.

I appreciate your time and your valuable inputs. Thank you.