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02 July 2009 by Zac Goldsmith

School bus success for Shene?

After years of campaigning by school teachers, governors, local Conservatives and parents alike, Transport for London has finally agreed to help provide a dedicated school bus for Shene School.

For a long time TFL had refused to budge, claiming that the existing bus service is adequate for the needs of Shene pupils.

As a result, Zac Goldsmith - Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Richmond and North Kingston - teamed up with Shene pupils last year to produce a short film on the need for a dedicated school bus. It was presented to Transport for London officials and posted on the Internet.



Commenting, Zac said; “the official figures were clearly wrong, and this excellent film made the point beautifully.”

Zac later organised for a group of children to meet Boris Johnson’s Director of Transport Policy, Kulveer Ranger, who passed on their comments to TFL and has persuaded the organisation to think again.

Zac said; “It’s likely that TFL will now agree to joint-fund the bus service provided Richmond Council and surrounding Councils also contribute. I hope they’ll agree to do so. Dedicated school buses are good for the children, good for cutting traffic, and will bring much-needed peace and quiet to local residents. Big congratulations to the Shene pupils for making their case so compellingly.”

In a letter to Richmond Park MP, Kulveer Ranger said; “I am aware of the strength of feeling on this issue and am keen to look at how it can be resolved.”

A meeting is now being arranged between representatives of Shene School, the Cabinet Members responsible for children’s services at Richmond, Hammersmith and Fulham and Wandsworth, the Metropolitan Police, TFL, GLA Member Tony Arbour, Zac Goldsmith and Susan Kramer.

ENDS