2015-16 Bus Information
Townsend Church of England School
Townsend Church of England School
associated with
G.A.Smiths Coaches Ltd.
Reg’s Coaches Ltd.
Tates Coaches Ltd.
our principal home to school transport providers for our home to school routes
Additionally, there are some public buses that also bring pupils to
Townsend every day. Details of these services are on P17 of this booklet
Tates Coaches
Ltd
44 High Street,
Markyate,
ST. ALBANS.
AL3 8PA.
G.A.Smiths Coaches Ltd
The Garage,
Chesham Road,
Wigginton.
TRING HP23 6EJ.
Reg’s Coaches
Ltd
113/115 Codicote Road,
Welwyn,
Herts.
AL6 9TY.
Telephone contact number
01582 840297
Telephone contact number
01442 823163
Telephone contact number
01438 822000
Fax number
01582 840014
Fax number
01442 824799
Fax number
01438 822003
Email address
Email address
Email address
info@tatescoaches.co.uk
townsend@smithsoftring.co.uk
regscoaches@btconnect.com
website
website
website
www.smithsoftring.co.uk
www.regscoaches.co.uk
www.tatescoaches.co.uk
1
2
Introduction
Dear Parents/Carers,
From September 2012, Hertfordshire County Council took the decision to abolish most of our school
transport as part of their budget cuts. Therefore, through no fault of any of us, we found ourselves in
a very difficult situation. Like many parents, we were devastated when the County Council unilaterally
announced plans to abolish all school transport except for a small number of pupils who have a statutory
entitlement to have transport provided by the County Council.
We were determined to try to do something to help our families. Therefore, for many months, prior to
September 2012 we worked with many partners to find parents/carers a solution; it was a massive job
as around 80% of our pupils used buses every day.
After months of research and searching for the best provider for our school, we were delighted that
Smiths of Tring, Tate’s and Reg’s Coaches became our preferred transport providers from September
2012. This was particularly good news because these companies have worked with us in various
capacities for many years and we have always found them to provide an excellent service. They always
use decent vehicles and their drivers have sound professional and pleasant relationships with our pupils.
In December 2012 the routes/providers changed slightly due to changes in the numbers of students
travelling from different areas. As a result of these changes, another company, D & G Travel provided
a minibus service to the school from the villages of Flamstead, Markyate and Redbourn. However, due
to increases in student numbers alternative arrangements will be in place from September 2015 (please
see P9 for details).
I am very pleased to confirm that our three long serving independent bus companies will be continuing
to provide a coordinated bus service for our pupils. Each company has a depot that gives easy access to
the main population areas served by Townsend School, and importantly, together these companies have
the capacity to provide most of our transport needs.
As you will no doubt have realised these companies have been very supportive of the situation that we
and more importantly you, have found yourself in with regards to the payment of bus fares. Thus for
the last three years there have been no fare increases but as I am sure you appreciate these
companies need to make these routes financially viable and with inflationary costs alone to be covered
there will be some fare increase this year as detailed on pages 12-15 of this booklet. Whilst I am sure
this is not good news please remember that the companies are still offering you the option to pay by
monthly standing order thus spreading the cost over the year.
As ever your feedback and suggestions for the future development of our transport would be most
welcomed.
Best wishes
A. Wellbeloved
Head Teacher
3
4
A bit about each company
Below are extracts written by the companies to tell you a bit about their history
Tates Coaches
Established in 1947, still under the day-to-day direction of the Tate Family (3rd Generation).
Throughout the 60+ years, we have operated a full range of work, with day excursions, British
& European tours and have always operated a nucleus of school contract work for Herts CC,
Beds CC and private preparatory schools, so you can be completely confident in our ability to
operate the services to Townsend School.
Smiths of Tring
Family owned and run business established in 1958 priding itself on its reliability, cleanliness
and personal service. During this time we have, and still do, undertake all forms of coach work
including day excursions, private hire and tours / holidays. The company has been operating
school contracts for over 40 years serving Herts, Bucks and Beds County Councils along with
operating contracts for private schools and colleges.
Reg’s Coaches
We commenced trading in July 1958 in Welwyn Garden City, conveying pupils to St. Albans Girls
School. Over the years, the company grew and in 1969 we moved to premises in Hertford,
where we operated 14 vehicles conveying school children to various schools in Hertford, Ware,
Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and St. Albans. We spent 38 years in Hertford before moving to
Welwyn in 2008. This move was due to redevelopment of our old site in Hertford. We now
operate 18 vehicles ranging from 29 to 57 seats. The transportation of school pupils is still a
major part of our business, including 3 commercial routes and 6 contracted routes on behalf of
Hertfordshire County Council.
5
Some answers provided by the companies to frequently asked questions
Safeguarding and Child Protection
What do I do if I have a child protection or safeguarding concern?
If you have any concerns, please notify the school and the bus company immediately by
telephone or in writing. Ensure in your communication that you indicate that you are referring
a child protection or safeguarding issue so that your communication is treated as a priority.
Can you confirm that all of the drivers used for school related work will have up-to-date
and valid CRB/DBS checks, satisfactory references, sound health and that there are no
reasons that you know of why they should not work with children?
Please advise how the school can check compliance with this important area as we are
inspected by Ofsted and have to prove that we have checked your compliance if you are
working with our pupils.
Each driver has a valid CRB/DBS (disclosure and barring service – previously criminal record
bureau check) badge which they have with them at all times. We hold a list of expiry dates and
arrange renewals accordingly. We currently use the services of Hertfordshire County Council
to undertake the renewals.
Our office can provide copies of their clearance if you request them.
Can you confirm that all drivers will be non-smoking or will refrain from smoking while
engaged on school related work?
We operate a non-smoking policy on all our vehicles. This is written in the staff handbooks and
rigorously enforced.
Can you give parents/carers assurance that all vehicles used are roadworthy, inspected
regularly, serviced as required?
1. Daily inspections are carried out by the driver and any defects reported to
the management.
2. A stringent annual test is carried out by the Vehicle Operators Service Agency.
3. 6-weekly inspections and servicing are carried out by our trained mechanics.
4. Records of all of the above are subject to checking by V.O.S.A.
Can you confirm that all vehicles used will have working seat belts and that your drivers
will make their best effort to ensure that children are aware of them and use them?
Seat belts are fitted to all our coaches and are part of the safety checks carried out as shown
above. Vehicle signage reminds passengers to wear their belts. Drivers can only request pupils
to wear their seat belts; they are unable to force them to do so. Parents/carers need to note
this and to ensure that they accept their responsibility of instructing their child to wear the
provided seat belt.
6
General Questions
Are all the buses that bring children to Townsend supplied by Smiths, Reg’s, or Tates?
No. Six routes are supplied by Smiths, Reg’s, or Tates but there are several other public
service buses that also bring children to Townsend every day. These are not part of the
arrangements described in this booklet but there is information and timetables for these
routes on the back page of this booklet. Please note - The arrangements for
safeguarding/child protection and the school bus code set out in this booklet are relevant
information for all users of transport to Townsend.
How do I apply for a place on a bus?
To apply you will have to complete an application form for the relevant company and then make
a payment directly to the company providing your bus. You will be able to see the terms and
conditions and to download an application form from each company website.
How will each company organise the collection of fares and the issue of bus passes?
Payment of fares will be termly or yearly (academic year). Parents/carers will apply direct to
each company for their required route. Payments can be made by bank transfer/standing
order, debit card, credit card (this method will incur a fee) or cheque. Cash will be accepted if
payment is made at one of our offices. Also as of last year, each company offered the facility
to spread the cost by paying the total cost in ten monthy instalments. Passes will then be
produced and posted out. The set-up costs to allow for on-line payment are very high and this
would increase fares for everyone. Therefore, currently, we are not proposing to facilitate online payments because we already have all of the methods listed above. We will review this in
the future if demand for such a service is high.
Parents/carers will purchase travel passes/tickets direct from the company responsible for
their route. In the future, it could be arranged for all payments to go to one point of sale, but
this will add to the overall cost and we are trying to keep fares as low as possible.
Would you allow pupils to pay daily to travel?
Equipping buses to allow for cash payments is very expensive and the investment is not fully
justified as the majority of students wish to pay for their tickets in advance. However it is
something that is being constantly being reviewed by each individual bus company and since
September 2013, cash payments have been possible on all Reg’s Coaches routes.
No money is accepted on an individual journey basis on the Smiths or Tates coaches but one off
travel is possible but this has to be organised/booked and paid for in advance.
7
How will you deal with parental complaints about aspects of your service?
On receipt of a complaint, full details are taken from the complainant and then from the
driver. The school will also be informed and involved throughout the procedure.
Depending on the severity of the complaint, the complainant or school will be informed of the
outcome of any action taken. It is worth noting that complaints are extremely rare, but should
they occur they will always be taken seriously and dealt with personally by one of the directors.
What will you do if your vehicle breaks down? Outline your procedures for a replacement
and for “rescuing” any pupils. What is your guaranteed time for a replacement bus/coach
to arrive within?
Should a breakdown occur, the driver will contact the Duty Manager. His information on the
proximity of other coaches would enable him to divert the nearest available relief coach to
collect the pupils and continue their journey. Where appropriate the school would be informed.
It is impossible to offer a definite “guarantee” but we would expect to provide a replacement
within 30 minutes.
What are your procedures if your vehicle is involved in a road traffic accident while
transporting Townsend pupils?
Assuming there are no injuries, the driver’s first action will be to contact his duty manager and
his priority will be to arrange a replacement coach should it be needed. If the damage is
superficial, the driver will exchange details with the third party and continue his journey
Should there be injuries then attention to them becomes the priority. The required emergency
services will be called and the School, Company Office and, when necessary, the parent/carer
or parents/carers will be contacted. All necessary action will be taken to protect the students
at all times.
What will be your procedure for dealing with badly behaved pupils?
If it is necessary to ban a pupil from travelling, could you explain your procedure for
this?
We suggest an arrangement similar to that which has been in place in the past, in that should
we receive a complaint from a driver we would contact the school for their assistance in dealing
with the matter. After an investigation involving the company, the school and the
parent/carer, if it was decided a ban is necessary the parent/carer would be notified by the
company and their pass would be cancelled until the ban has expired.
8
How will you deal with any damage occurring to the inside of your vehicle?
Sometimes minor damage occurs that we repair in-house. Should it be extensive or regular, we
would deal with it by investigation, usually with the co-operation of the school, as they may be
able to interview pupils to obtain the facts. Should the pupil be identified we would ask the
school to assist us in taking the necessary action. This will include recovering the cost of
repair and possible withdrawal of service from the pupil involved. The school may also take
additional action to support us, to protect other pupils and to protect its reputation.
Are there financial implications of an unplanned school closure (e.g. snow, heating failure,
strike action)?
As the passes will have been issued termly or annually there will not be any financial
implications. It will not be possible to offer refunds as our fares have been calculated to keep
them as low as possible and there is therefore no reserve fund to cover our costs in such
events. Parents/carers need to understand this before accessing our transport system. To
keep fares as low as we have we need to have a policy of no refunds in any circumstances. It is
also worth remembering that on Cathedral days the buses do not take children home but the
buses are used to take them to the Cathedral – so there are still two journeys. Parents/carers
also need to note that there will be no refunds for students who vary their transport times and
pattern of transport for external examinations or because they learn to drive or are not
required to attend school daily for things such as examination revision or for disciplinary
reasons. This is because it would add significantly to costs for all other families to administer
and over the years all families will share these issues fairly – and remembering we have already
done all that we can to make the fares as low as possible for everyone using the buses.
Is there anything else that you want us to know?
1. All our drivers must have Passenger Carrying Vehicle Licences and these are regularly
checked by the company to ensure compliance. All drivers are currently undergoing regular retraining in order to obtain driver Certificates of Professional Competence.
2. Our companies are required to hold operators licences issued by the Traffic Commissioner.
3. They are also required to have insurance for both passenger and public liability. Copies of
these are available for your inspection.
9
How much will the transport cost?
For Smiths Coaches (S80 &S88) the cost of each termly ticket will be :Autumn Term 2015:
Spring Term 2016:
Summer Term 2016:
£372.30 per person.
£290.70 per person.
£311.10 per person.
Annual Passes: £974.10 less 5% = £926.00 (for full payment in advance)
For Reg’s Coaches (R11, R22 and R33) the cost of each termly ticket will be :Autumn Term 2015:
Spring Term 2016:
Summer term 2016:
£372.30
£290.70
£311.10
Annual Pass: £974.10 less 5% = £926.00 (for full payment in advance)
For Tates Coaches (T51/52) the cost of each termly ticket will be :- :
Autumn Term 2015
Spring Term 2016
Summer Term 2016
£369.00
£288.00
£318.00
Annual Pass: £975.00 less 5% = £926.00 (for full payment in advance)
Students travelling from Redbourn
Autumn term 2015
Spring term 2016
Summer term 2016
£294.19
£229.71
£253.89
Annual Pass: £777.79 less 5% = £740.00
[Students travelling from Markyate and Flamstead to Redbourn can catch the 34 or 46
service run by Centrebus – this service will then link up with the T51/52 school bus.]
Please note: To help you spread the yearly cost, all three bus companies will accept staggered
payments over a ten month period. Please contact the individual bus companies directly to
arrange,
10
BUT ……… OTHER HELP IS AVAILABLE IN SOME SPECIAL CASES – please
read on ….
How can we help you?
The Governors and Friends of Townsend (PTA) have offered to subsidise the cost of transport
for another year for those in financial difficulty. This is because they recognise that for most
families these fares, although cheaper than the alternatives and cheaper than what the County
would have charged if still running the buses, they are a still a substantial annual cost for
families.
For some families the costs of transport will be significant as they were previously subsidised
completely by Council Tax payers via the County Council budget – because they got places at
Townsend as they were baptised into the Church of England or were registered on a Church of
England Parish Electoral Roll. The unilateral cancellation of that subsidy by the County Council
brings significant additional costs. These families may find it helpful to read the ‘A special
additional help fund’ section below.
To subsidise transport is an expensive business. Governors have therefore decided to allocate
again a contribution of £20,000 and the Friends of Townsend (PTA) will also be putting aside
some money to contribute to this fund. Please note that we are always looking for new
fundraising initiatives and volunteers to help with fundraising activities/events organised by
the Friends of Townsend.
Everyone at the school believes very strongly, that no one should be prevented
from coming to our school because of the financial problems that the County
Council decision to abolish most school transport brings to many families in very
difficult times.
How to apply for financial help
If you want to ask for financial help/support, you should register your request initially by
writing confidentially to the Head Teacher. He will then arrange for a form to be sent
to you for completion. A committee has been established by the school governors to deal
with your request so that it is treated independently and fairly with all other requests.
If you need help to write your letter/fill in the form then we can arrange for someone to
do this for you. If you want that help, please phone the school office and leave a short
message with your contact details and we will get someone to contact you in confidence.
11
Plus - Free Transport for some
We understand that at the present time, those who are registered for free school
meals could also have transport to our school provided free by the County
Council. To find out more about this you will need to contact the County Council on
0300 123 4043. If you want to apply for Free School Meals you can find out more
below. It is very easy to apply or to find out if you are entitled to Free School Meals.
Please find on the following page application information from Hertfordshire County
Council.
How to apply for Free School Meals
(Information from Hertfordshire County Council)
Hertfordshire County Council has introduced new, convenient, ways to apply for Free School Meals.
Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) is working to promote Free School Meals and educational benefits
to make sure that as many eligible children and families as possible get the support they are entitled to.
HCC is the first local authority to introduce the new ways to apply for Free School Meals described
below. We believe these innovations will encourage even more people to apply.
The information will be of particular value to families that are new to your school, it may also help
others whose circumstances have changed and who are now receiving appropriate benefits.
The new services.
In addition to applying via:
- computer at www.hertsdirect.org/freeschoolmeals
- telephone to the Customer Service Centre at 0300 123 4048 during opening hours
Parents can now apply for free school meals using:
- smartphone
- web enabled mobile phone
- Games console e.g. playstation/Wii & X-Box
- DigiTV
making it more convenient and easier than ever for families entitled to education benefits to access
support.
Instructions are below
How to use the new services for applying for Free School Meals
Applicants using a Smartphone just need to go to the Android Market or iTunes App Store and
search lookinglocal to download the app.
Those using a web enabled mobile or games console simply enter www.lookinglocal.gov.uk/hertsdirect
into their browser.
DigiTV users follow the menu choices depending on their service.
Sky
1. Go to channel 539 – The Community Channel
2. Press red
3. Choose Southern England
12
4. South East
5. Hertfordshire
6. Hertfordshire
Virgin
1. Press Home
2. Choose interactive
3. Choose News & Info
4. Looking Local
5. Choose Southern England
6. South East
7. Hertfordshire
8. Hertfordshire
Or …
1. Go to channel 233 – The Community Channel
2. Press Red
3. Choose Southern England
4. South East
5. Hertfordshire
6. Hertfordshire
Currently 50% of applications for Free School Meals are made online.
The launch of the new service means that even more families will be able to apply quickly and easily for
the benefits they are entitled to and that will make a real difference to their lives, and to the
attainment of their children in school.
For more information on free school meals and other educational benefits in Hertfordshire, and the
qualifying benefits, visit www.hertsdirect.org/freeschoolmeals
Timetables are shown
on the next few
pages
13
Bus Details
Route numbers -
In order to make the routes easily recognisable the route numbers for all 4
companies are prefixed by the company’s starting letter(s) eg Tates service from
Highfield/Grovehill/Warners End is known as the T51/52.
Remember that there are some other public service buses also bringing children to Townsend every
day and you can find details of these services on the page 17 of this booklet (timings correct at
time of printing). Also see details on that page relating to the purchase of SaverCards that give
half price fares on these routes.
Routes -
The bus timetables for 2015-16
The timetables on the next few pages show details of our dedicated school routes and times.
(Other bus timetables are on page 17.)
G. A. Smiths Coaches Ltd.
The Garage,
Chesham Road,
Wigginton.
TRING HP23 6EJ.
Telephone contact number - 01442 823163
Fax number - 01442 824799
Email address - townsend@smithsoftring.co.uk
website – www.smithsoftring.co.uk
S80
Hemel Hempstead, Seaton Road
Hemel Hempstead, Belswains Lane, Oliver Rise
Hemel Hempstead, Nash Mills, Barnacres Road, School
Hemel Hempstead, Bennets End, Bennets End Road, Shops
Hemel Hempstead, St. Albans Road, Longlands
Townsend School
07:50
07:52
07:55
07:59
08:04
08:30
S88/S8
Hemel Hempstead, Chaulden, Long Chaulden, Northridge Way
Hemel Hempstead, Long Chaulden, Lucks Hill
Hemel Hempstead , Warners End, opp. Stoneycroft Shops
Hemel Hempstead, Warners End Road, opp. Gravel Lane
Hemel Hempstead, Warners End Road, Gadebridge Road
Hemel Hempstead, Combe Street, Stop 21
Hemel Hempstead, Adeyfield Road, opp. Broadfield Road
Hemel Hemsptead, Adeyfield, Adeyfield Road, Great Road
Hemel Hempstead, Adeyfield Road, High Street Green
Leverstock Green, The Leather Bottle PH
Townsend School
14
07:48
07:50
07:53
07:54
07:56
07:59
08:02
08:04
08:06
08:10
08:30
Tates Coaches Ltd
44 High Street,Markyate,
ST. ALBANS AL3 8PA.
Telephone contact number - 01582 840297 Fax number - 01582 840014
Email address - info@tatescoaches.co.uk website - www.tatescoaches.co.uk
T51/52
Hemel Hempstead, High Street Green, Branksome Close
Hemel Hempstead, Jupiter Drive, opp. Martian Avenue
Hemel Hempstead, Jupiter Drive, opp. Saturn Way
Hemel Hempstead, Solway, opp. St. Paul's Church
Hemel Hempstead, Cambrian Way, Westerdale
Hemel Hempstead, Aycliffe Drive, opp. Crawley Drive
Hemel Hempstead, Grove Hill, Aycliffe Drive, opp. Shops
Hemel Hempstead, Washington Avenue, opp. Basildon Square
Hemel Hempstead, St. Agnells Lane, Dawley Court
Hemel Hempstead, Shenley Road, Arkley Road
Hemel Hempstead, Shenley Road, Denham Close
Hemel Hempstead, Shenley Road, Dunster Road
Hemel Hempstead, Shenley Road opposite Coleridge Crescent
Hemel Hempstead , Woodhall Farm, Shenley Road, Cuffley Court
07:43
07:45
07:46
07:47
07:48
07:50
07:51
07:53
07:54
07:56
07:58
08:00
08:02
08:04
Redbourn, High St opposite the Fish Shop
08:20
Harpenden, Redbourn Lane, White Horse PH
Townsend School
08:25
08:35
Please note: As explained in introduction to this booklet, from September there will be no direct service to
Townsend from Flamstead and Markyate.
Tates Coaches will be picking up from Redbourn at 8.20 am – students will either need to get to Redbourn
by car (the school can help families discuss car sharing if needed ) or they can catch the public bus into
Redbourn which runs a convenient service to dovetail into the pick up by Tates Coaches to complete the
journey to school. The Public Bus service is either the 46 or 34 route run by Centrebus.
Centrebus – Route 34
Markyate, Fire Station
Flamstead,Three Blackbirds
Redbourn, High Street
07:30
07:37
07:46
Centrebus – Route 46
Markyate, Fire Station
Flamstead,Three Blackbirds
Redbourn, High Street
15
07:55
08:03
08:13
Reg's Coaches Ltd
113 / 115 Codicote Road,
Welwyn,
Herts AL6 9TY.
Telephone contact number - 01438 822000
Fax number - 01438 822003
Email address - regscoaches@btconnect.com
Website - www.regscoaches.co.uk
R11
Birchwood, Birchwood Avenue, Opp. Chelwood Ave
Longmead
Birchwood, Cornerfield, Opp. Hopfields PH
Hatfield, Ground Lane, Cecil Crescent
Hatfield, Woods Avenue
Oxlease, Travellers Lane, Oxlease Drive
South Hatfield, Travellers Lane, Millwards
South Hatfield, Bishops Rise, Opp Garden Avenue
Hatfield, Bishops Rise, Vigors Croft
Hatfield, The Galleria, Stop A
Hatfield, St Albans Road West, Ellenbrook
07:30
07:40
07:42
07:43
07:44
07:46
07:48
07:49
07:51
07:52
07:55
Townsend School
08:23
R22
Mardley Hill, Great North Road, Opp. North Star
Welwyn, Church Street, Carleton Rise
Welwyn Garden City, Bessemer Road, Opp. Pumping Station
Welwyn Garden City, Black Fan Road, Sylvan Way
Welwyn Garden City, Cole Green Lane, Opp. Lt Gannett
Welwyn Garden City, Heronswood Road, Salisbury Road
Welwyn Garden City, Mill Green Road, Holwell Road
Welwyn Garden City, Hollybush Lane, Leigh Common
Welwyn Garden City, Howlands, Linkfield
Welwyn Garden City, Stanborough Road, Longcroft Green
Welwyn Garden City, Stanborough Road, Park
Welwyn Garden City, Great North Road, opp. The East PH
Hatfield, Champion Road, opp. Mulberry Mead
Townsend School
16
07:22
07:27
07:32
07:39
07:44
07:46
07:49
07:50
07:52
07:55
07:57
07:59
08:05
08:25
R33
Elstree, Elstree Hill South, Sullivan Way
Elstree, High Street/Rogers Close
Borehamwood, Furzehill Road opposite Ashley Road
Borehamwood, Furzehill Road Baptist Church
Borehamwood, Shenley Road opposite Glenhaven Ave
Borehamwood, Theobald Street / Kingsley Ave
Borehamwood, Theobald Street, opp. Wetherby Road
Radlett, Watling Street Post Office
Shenley, Porters Park Drive opposite Andrews Close
Shenley, Porters Park Drive opposite Fielders Way
Shenley, Porters Park Drive opposite Gwynn Close
07:25
07:27
07:33
07:36
07:37
07:39
07:42
07:47
07:57
07:58
07:59
Park Street, Old Red Lion
08:12
Park Street, Park St Lane opposite Oliver Close
08:14
How Wood, Park St Lane opposite Burston Drive
08:16
How Wood, Penn Road, The Shops
08:18
Chiswell Green, Tippendell Lane opposite Barry Close
08:20
Townsend School
08:35
How to buy a bus pass.
Contact the bus company directly:Smiths of Tring
Reg’s Coaches
Tates Coaches
01442 823163
01438 822000
01582 840297
OR download an application form from their website:Please then return the completed form to the bus company with the appropriate fee or
documents/information for paying by standing order etc.
Smiths of Tring
Reg’s Coaches
Tates Coaches
www.smithsoftring.co.uk
www.regscoaches.co.uk
www.tatescoaches.co.uk
17
Other buses serving Townsend
The buses listed below are not operated by Smiths, Tates or Reg’s .
In addition to the buses listed earlier that are being provided by Smiths, Tates, and Reg’s, there are a number of other
public bus routes that bring large numbers of pupils to Townsend every day. These buses are not part of the arrangements
described earlier in this booklet but they do provide a valuable additional service to our school. N.B The buses listed below are
the most popular routes but there are other routes available.
Arrangements for fares are made with each company and usually Hertfordshire residents buy a SaverCard to reduce the daily
cost on these public buses.
Saver Cards – are only usable on public buses and not on the service provided by Smiths,Tates or Reg’s.
HALF FARE BUS TRAVEL FOR STUDENTS AGED 11 to 18 - (excludes Transport for London services)
If you are aged 11-18 in full time education and resident in the administrative county of Hertfordshire you can apply for a
Hertfordshire SaverCard that will run within an academic year, for example if you apply for 2015/2016 the card will be valid
up until the 30th September 2016. This can be renewed every academic year as long as you still qualify. There is a charge of
£20.00 per application, per academic year. N.B New academic year applications cannot be made until after August 1 st.
Families that live outside Hertfordshire, need to confirm subsidy arrangements with their home Local Authority.
Financial Assistance If your family is on low income, you may qualify for one Hertfordshire SaverCard free of charge each
academic year. These applications must be made on a ‘How can we help?’ team. Please telephone 0300 123 4050 for further
information and/or a form or alternatively you can apply on-line.
Apply on Line - type or copy and paste into your address bar - http://www.hertsdirect.org/actweb/savercard/default.aspx
About SaverCard – type or copy and paste into your address bar http://www.hertsdirect.org/actweb/savercard/AboutSaverCard.aspx
84 (Metroline)
New Barnet Station
Barnet High Street, Barnet Church
Potters Bar Bus Garage
Potters Bar Station - Stop B
Potters Bar, Cranbourne Road
Sth Mimms St Albans Rd, White Hart PH
Colney Fields Retail Park
London Colney, Kings Road
St Albans City Station
St Albans, St Peters Street
Townsend School
305 (Centrebus)
07:05
07:11
07:23
07:31
07:35
07:39
07:47
07:55
08:07
08:16
08:27
Brookmans Park, opposite Bradmore Grn,
Welham Green, Dixons Hill Rd, Stop D
Colney Heath High St, Queens Head
Smallford, Station Road, Post Office
Oaklands, Hatfield Rd, Colney Hth Lane
Fleetville, Hatfield Rd, Morrisons
St Albans Station, Interchange B
St Albans, St Peters St, Stop 13
Townsend School
07:30
07:35
07:42
07:47
07:51
07:55
08:12
08:18
08:27
653 (Unō)
361 (Metroline)
Garston, St Albans Rd, opp bus garage
07:38
St Albans Station, Stop D
08:01
Bricket Wood, Mt Pleasant Lane opp sch
Bricket Wood, West Riding, opp North Riding
How Wood, Penn Road shops
07:43
07:47
St Peters St, Stop 11
St Albans City Hospital, Stop B
New Greens,Cavan Drive (approx. 100m from school)
08:07
08:16
08:24
Chiswell green, Three Hammers
St Albans Abbey Station, Stop B
St Albans, St Peters Street, Stop 11
Harpenden Road opp The Ancient Briton
New Greens, High Oaks(approx. 100m from
school)
07:59
08:05
08:15
08:18
07:54
Cell Barnes Estate Frobisher Road
St Albans Station, Stop D
Transfer to 653 (Unō)
07:43
07:53
08:00
New Greens,Cavan Drive (approx 100m from school)
08:24
08:24
321 (Arriva) – further stop details available
Watford High Street
Watford Junction Railway Station
Garston Bus Garage
Chiswell Green, Three Hammers PH
St Peters Street, St Albans
Sandridgebury Lane/Harpenden Road
S1 (Unō) – not a direct route.
321 (Arriva) – further stop details available
07:25
07:30
07:49
08:04
08:28
08:36
Luton Station Interchange
Luton, Church Street
Stockwood Park Entrance
Kinsbourne Green, The Fox PH
Harpenden, The George PH
Sandridgebury Lane/Harpenden Road
07:40
07:48
07:55
08:02
08:11
08:21
For additional information – the Intalink Partnership, c/o Passenger Transport Unit, Hertfordshire County Council,
County Hall, CHN101, Hertford, SG13 8TJ. Telephone 0300 123 4050
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TOWNSEND CHURCH OF ENGLAND SCHOOL
TRANSPORT CODE 2015/2016
Although the school’s bus services are arranged by external providers, the school is fully committed to
supporting the companies and the bus drivers with regards to safe considerate behaviour by students.
The school Transport Code is made for the safety and consideration of students, members of the general
public and other passengers. This code applies to ALL journeys in coaches, buses and mini buses.
ON THE WAY TO SCHOOL
Students are expected to queue at bus stops in an orderly way, remembering that they are wearing
Townsend uniform.
Misbehaviour is damaging to the school’s reputation
SEAT BELTS
When using the school mini buses or buses and coaches fitted with seat belts, it is advisable to use seat belts
for all journeys and it is your responsibility to keep it on throughout the journey.
Seat belts are fitted to keep you as safe as possible
DURING THE JOURNEY
1. All students are to remain seated throughout the journey.
2. Bad behaviour is unacceptable and will result in the application of the school discipline code, and could
result in the loss of the right to use the school bus.
3. There should be no moving up or down stairs, or around the vehicle, whilst it is moving.
4. Students must not be standing near to, or distracting the driver during the journey.
5. Smoking while travelling or waiting for buses or coaches is not permitted.
6. No food or drink is to be consumed while travelling.
7. There should be no shouting or behaviour inconsiderate to other passengers.
8. Students are to wear full school uniform, until they reach home.
9. Making signs or gestures to people outside the vehicle is not allowed.
10. No litter should be left on the bus.
11. The bus driver will only collect/drop off students from advertised stops on the bus route
All these regulations are to make the journey as safe and comfortable as possible for you and other
passengers.
WAITING FOR THE SCHOOL BUSES AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY
1. At the end of lesson 5, those students using school buses should proceed to the tennis courts via the back
of the school. No student should leave the school via reception or walk across the front of the school to
access the tennis courts.
2. Students should wait sensibly on the tennis courts (or under the covered way for year 11) until their bus is
called for.
3. Students should not board buses until permission is given by the duty staff.
4. A student who leaves the school premises and then returns to school, will not be allowed to board a bus
that leaves from inside the school site.
5. Students will not be able to board buses without an approved bus pass.
6. If as a result of ignoring any of the above or for other inappropriate behaviour, a student is denied
boarding a school bus, a parent/carer will be notified and alternative transport arrangements will need to
be made by the parent/carer.
Failure to abide by any/all of these rules could result in the loss of the use of school transport.
Parents/Carers are asked to read the school Transport Code and discuss it with their child.
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You can use this page for your notes and personal record of payments
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