Protect School Bus Access for High Wycombe Families – Stop the Unfair Changes to Route 5
Protect School Bus Access for High Wycombe Families – Stop the Unfair Changes to Route 5
The Issue
The proposed changes to Route 5 will effect our children's access to education at the most fundamental level, and we believe all parties involved share a responsibility to ensure no child is left behind.
We, the undersigned residents, parents, and community members of High Wycombe, urgently call on Carousel Buses, Buckinghamshire Council, and our elected representatives to reconsider the proposed changes to Route 5 - specifically its replacement with services 630 and 633.
These changes introduce a two-tier system:
£695 for an unsecured seat, risking children being left at stops.
£745 for a guaranteed seat, pricing out low-income families.
This model is unjust, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
- In wards like Downley, Bowerdean, and Totteridge, up to 25% of children live in poverty. Many households earn below the Buckinghamshire average, and for families with more than one child, these fares could exceed £1,400.00 per year.
- Due to school oversubscription, some families have no alternative but to rely on this bus route. With no viable public transport and no Arriva services, Carousel holds a monopoly - leaving families powerless.
- Risks leaving children stranded, penalises low-income families, creates a two-tier education system.
- Leaves us with NO alternatives – Carousel is the only operator left in High Wycombe since Arriva closed their depots in 2024.
We call on the relevant stakeholders to:
- Review and reduce the cost of school bus travel for low-income families.
- Guarantee seats for all students who rely on these services.
- Encourage competition or partnership in school transport to avoid monopolisation.
- Access to school should not depend on income. Every child deserves a safe and reliable journey to education.
Please sign and share this petition to stand up for fairness, safety, and equal opportunity for High Wycombe’s children.
✅ SIGN THE PETITION.
✅ WRITE to your MP and local councillor.
✅ SHARE this with friends, schools, and neighbours.
✅ JOIN the campaign to protect our children's access to education.
198
The Issue
The proposed changes to Route 5 will effect our children's access to education at the most fundamental level, and we believe all parties involved share a responsibility to ensure no child is left behind.
We, the undersigned residents, parents, and community members of High Wycombe, urgently call on Carousel Buses, Buckinghamshire Council, and our elected representatives to reconsider the proposed changes to Route 5 - specifically its replacement with services 630 and 633.
These changes introduce a two-tier system:
£695 for an unsecured seat, risking children being left at stops.
£745 for a guaranteed seat, pricing out low-income families.
This model is unjust, especially during a cost-of-living crisis.
- In wards like Downley, Bowerdean, and Totteridge, up to 25% of children live in poverty. Many households earn below the Buckinghamshire average, and for families with more than one child, these fares could exceed £1,400.00 per year.
- Due to school oversubscription, some families have no alternative but to rely on this bus route. With no viable public transport and no Arriva services, Carousel holds a monopoly - leaving families powerless.
- Risks leaving children stranded, penalises low-income families, creates a two-tier education system.
- Leaves us with NO alternatives – Carousel is the only operator left in High Wycombe since Arriva closed their depots in 2024.
We call on the relevant stakeholders to:
- Review and reduce the cost of school bus travel for low-income families.
- Guarantee seats for all students who rely on these services.
- Encourage competition or partnership in school transport to avoid monopolisation.
- Access to school should not depend on income. Every child deserves a safe and reliable journey to education.
Please sign and share this petition to stand up for fairness, safety, and equal opportunity for High Wycombe’s children.
✅ SIGN THE PETITION.
✅ WRITE to your MP and local councillor.
✅ SHARE this with friends, schools, and neighbours.
✅ JOIN the campaign to protect our children's access to education.
198
The Decision Makers
Petition updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 27 May 2025