Call for more students on new school run
Bus Viability
The new operator of a vital school bus run from Douglas to Cairns started today – and while parents can rest assured that their kids will be transported to school for Term One at least, they say what's needed is to get more students aboard.
After negotiations with St Monica’s College, short-term replacement bus operator FNQ Airport Shuttle agreed to take on the run for Term One.
The previous operator, FNQ Bus Lines, notified parents in November it would not be continuing the service in 2023.
Charlie Madgwick, who helped highlight the service cancellation and how it left parents like her in the lurch, has told Newsport the transport dilemma is not settled yet – because the longer-term viability of the replacement service needs to be ensured.
“Boosting numbers would increase the viability for the operator of course, also I think it’s important that we can structure the fees properly to ensure that the service doesn’t run at a loss,” Ms Madgwick said.
“Personally I would be happy to pay for the whole term, rather than be reimbursed for occasional pupil free days or holidays, if taken during the term, to secure a seat for my daughter – whatever it takes to continue its operation.”
She has put out the call to other parents whose children might be considering finishing their high school education in Cairns.
“Any and all families in the area should make their interest known, even existing students who weekly board at St Augustine’s College in Cairns should try to utilise the service on Fridays wherever possible to support the new company and keep passenger numbers up,” she said.
All schools service
Ms Madgwick pointed out that the new FNQ Airport Shuttle run is certainly not exclusive to the Catholic colleges.
“Yes, Edna Galvin from St Monica’s College took on the challenge to negotiate and arrange this replacement service however, it is definitely not for the exclusive use by the Catholic school students.
“We welcome any and all other students to join to bus run in order to maintain its profitability and viability into the future.”
She said parents and FNQ Airport Shuttle are still working out fees, and there is still some work to do with arranging the transport subsidy scheme through government agency Translink.
“I believe that the state government should be involved to ensure we will always have choices for the future education of Douglas Shire high school students.”