The recent cancellation of the only direct bus route from Eastgardens to St George Girls High School has had a significant adverse impact on our children. As parents, carers, and community members of Matraville, Pagewood, Maroubra, Kingsford, Eastgardens, and surrounding suburbs, we are witnessing the difficulties our children are facing daily.

Students, some as young as 11, are being forced to take two to three buses each way to reach their school. They navigate unfamiliar and potentially unsafe interchanges, walk long distances, and travel more than one hour for a journey that is merely 10.4 kilometres. These students are also carrying heavy school bags over these extended distances, often traveling through poorly lit areas in the early morning or late afternoon. This is unacceptable.

Before the cancellation of the direct 350 bus service, our children had a safe and convenient option to get to and from school. This bus route allowed them to focus on their studies rather than exhaust themselves with lengthy and challenging commutes. It is crucial to restore this direct connection or provide an equivalent alternative to ensure the safety and well-being of our schoolchildren.

The safety of our children is non-negotiable. Public transport should serve students' needs, providing a secure and efficient way to get to school. We urge Transport for NSW and our local representatives to listen to our community and act swiftly.

Implementing a direct school bus route from Eastgardens to St George Girls High School requires the reinstatement of the 350 bus or an alternative solution. This would once again enable our children to have a safe and direct commute, reducing their travel time and improving their well-being. We need to prioritize the safety and security of our city's future.

Please sign this petition to demand action from Transport for NSW, calling on them to immediately reinstate or replace the former direct 350 bus service, and ensure a safer future for our children.