We, the parents and families of students attending Medowie Christian School who use the Stroud bus service (route S852), petition for the immediate introduction of a single, adequately sized permanent bus for both morning and afternoon runs.

The current 24-seater bus has been severely overcrowded since late 2025, and the situation has become critical throughout 2026. With approximately 45 registered students — and new families having already joined the school — demand far exceeds capacity.

 Primary-aged children have repeatedly been turned away at the bus stop, forcing parents to drive them, disrupting work, family routines, and incurring extra costs. Despite multiple assurances from the Minister for Regional Transport, the promised permanent solution has still not been fully delivered. Temporary and split-bus arrangements have created new problems rather than resolving the core issue.

Key Concerns:
• Inadequate Capacity: A 24-seater bus cannot safely or reliably transport 45 students.
• Confusing Split Services: Having two separate buses (the original S852 and an additional service) operating at different times with different routes is unnecessarily confusing, especially for younger primary school children. This has made pick-up and drop-off times unpredictable, disrupted family schedules and work arrangements, and caused anxiety for students.
• Safety and Reliability: Primary school children should not have to navigate changing bus arrangements, later arrivals, or unfamiliar routing. A single, consistent, larger bus is essential for safety, predictability, and peace of mind.

We strongly oppose the current fragmented approach and call for a straightforward, permanent fix: one larger bus (minimum 50–55 seats) operating directly on route S852 for both the morning and afternoon runs.

We respectfully request that Transport for NSW and the Minister for Regional Transport take immediate action to:
• Introduce a single, larger permanent bus capable of accommodating all registered students on both morning and afternoon services.
• Eliminate the confusing dual-bus system and restore a consistent, predictable timetable for families.
• Provide clear written confirmation and timelines to all affected parents, with no further delays.
• Ensure the service remains direct, safe, and appropriate for primary school children.

Reliable school bus transport is a fundamental requirement for regional families. The ongoing uncertainty and inadequate capacity are unsustainable and unfair to our children and working parents.We urge the Government and Transport for NSW to act now and deliver the single larger permanent bus solution that has been promised for months. Please sign this petition to support affected families and demand a proper, long-term resolution.This petition is submitted on behalf of concerned parents of Medowie Christian School students on the Stroud bus route, following four months of direct communication with the Minister for Regional Transport.