Parents in the Geelong region are demanding immediate action from authorities following a series of incidents where overcrowded buses in Lara have left dozens of students stranded at stops, unable to get to school. The recurring problem has sparked outrage among families, who say it is disrupting their children's education and raising serious safety issues.
Repeated Strandings Spark Community Outcry
According to reports, the issue has been ongoing, with multiple occurrences where buses on key routes in Lara have been too full to accommodate all waiting students. This has resulted in children being left behind, sometimes in large groups, forcing parents to scramble for alternative transport or keep their kids home. The situation has been described as chaotic and unacceptable by affected families.
Impact on Students and Families
The strandings have not only caused logistical headaches but also emotional distress for students who fear missing school or being late. Parents have expressed concerns about the safety of children left unsupervised at bus stops, particularly in inclement weather or during peak traffic times. Many argue that the current bus service is inadequate for the growing population in the area.
Calls for Transport Solutions
In response, community members are urging local transport providers and government officials to implement short-term fixes, such as adding extra services or larger vehicles, while also developing a long-term strategy to address capacity issues. Some have suggested reviewing bus schedules or increasing funding for school transport in Lara and surrounding suburbs.
The Geelong Advertiser has highlighted this as a pressing local issue, with parents vowing to continue their advocacy until a reliable solution is found. As the new school term progresses, all eyes are on whether authorities will step up to ensure no student is left behind due to overcrowded buses again.
