Government asked to intervene over decision to remove bus routes to and from some Torbay schools
Stagecoach warns services 28, 30 and 32 are no longer commercially viable
Stagecoach has defended the decision to withdraw some services in Torbay - despite anger from parents who say they rely on it for reaching schools.
The firm says services 28, 30 and 32 are no longer commercially viable and will cease from September.
Torbay's MP Steve Darling has written to the education secretary calling on her to intervene.
A spokesperson for Stagecoach, said: “Stagecoach understands the concerns raised by parents regarding the withdrawal of Services 28, 30 and 32, and appreciate how important reliable school transport is for students and families.
The services are operated entirely on a commercial basis and do not receive any public funding or financial support. Following a review of passenger numbers and the revenue generated, the service is unfortunately no longer commercially viable to operate.
However, recognising the importance of continuity during the academic year, we have taken the decision to continue running the services until the end of the current school term rather than withdrawing during the academic year.
From September 2026, while these services will no longer operate, alternative travel options will remain available for students by using the wider local bus network.”
Steve Darling MP, who has written to the education secretary about the situation, said: "Multiple parents have written to me concerned about the withdrawal of eight bus services for students across Torbay, including 5 commissioned by Brixham College to connect the school with Paignton residents, and 3 commercial bus routes connecting Paignton with the Torquay Grammar Schools.
"That's why I have written to the respective schools, the Council, and the Department for Education, and will be writing to Stagecoach, to ensure that Torbay students have safe, affordable and reliable means of transport to school."
Torbay Councillor and Lib Dem leader Swithin Long has tabled emergency questions ahead of Thursday's meeting, saying: "How have Torbay Council, Stagecoach, Brixham College and the schools worked together to try and avoid the ceasing of these crucial services for school children?
"Secondly it's being proposed that an impact assessment is being done after the services end and that's bonkers. I've also asked why has no impact assessment been done before these services have been ended."