STUDENTS from Redditch and the surrounding areas have been left without transport to school due to Diamond Buses canceling the S85 bus.
More than 60 students from Studley High School have been affected by this cancellation.
Headteacher Richard Eost said: “It’s frustrating that they have cancelled this service without consulting us.
“We’re calling a parent meeting in a couple of weeks to see if we can find some interim measures.
“But we’re keen to try and keep the cost to parents down.”
Mr Eost said there had been ho help available from Warwickshire county Council because the students affected live in Worcestershire.
“We can’t appeal for help from Worcestershire County Council as out school is based in Warwickshire.
“It’s disappointing that we’ve been put in this position.
North Bromsgrove High School students who live in Redditch have also been left without transport, as their bus service the S83 is being replaced.
Nick Gibson, Headteacher said: “It is disappointing that a decision has been taken by WCC Transport, without consultation with NBHS, to replace the original S83 bus.
“Students from Redditch therefore do not have the surety of a bus pass.
“North Bromsgrove High School fundamentally disagrees and opposes this decision taken by WCC Transport as it does not act in the best interests of our students and families who attend our school.”
The school said it has taken feedback from concerned parents and urged WCC Transport to reconsider its decision.
A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “We appreciate that this route is popular with school staff, students and parents of the nearby school communities, and the frustrations the upcoming changes made by the new operators decision to withdraw the commercially operated service.
“Worcestershire County Council have stepped in to ensure those pupils who are entitled to free home to school transport will have access to a service.
“The new route will be a WCC contracted school route rather than commercially operated, as it was previously.
“Those who are not eligible for travel assistance, may be offered any remaining vacant seats if they are available once the eligible passenger seats have been allocated in September.”
A spokesperson for Warwickshire County Council said: “Service S85 is a commercial service provided by Diamond for Worcestershire students and has no support, financially or otherwise from Warwickshire.
“As a result, there are no plans to provide a replacement service. However, we have offered to work with any potential suppliers for a replacement service to provide them with the necessary data to operate a commercially viable service.”
