PTA unmoved over bus decision

The Public Transport Authority has shrugged off the plight of Brookfield families whose children can no longer catch a bus to school in Margaret River.

The PTA remains unmoved despite inquiries by the _Times _ about the recent cancellation of Brookfield's complimentary school bus service, which has left many parents of young children upset.

The service was cancelled to meet demand from the higher number of students this year living more than 4.5km from schools in town.

PTA spokesman David Hynes did not say whether the Brookfield school buses were at capacity when cancelled.

"The removal of school bus services from Brookfield Estate has nothing to do with either budget or bus capacity," he said.

"As we have previously stated, the children are not eligible to travel on the bus because they live less than 4.5km from their school.

"This is completely in accordance with long-established policy."

South West MLC Barry House did not wish to comment on the community response to the taxpayer-funded buses being cancelled.

"The PTA is applying their policy to ensure consistency across the State in relation to school bus services," he said.

Brookfield resident Bec Steele said the lack of buses increased congestion in Margaret River during the start of school every day and made the twice-daily school run more difficult.

"The congestion at Montessori is horrendous," she said.

"Parents leaving their homes at 8.30am rely on those buses."

Ms Steele said her seven-year-old son was not old enough to walk to school alone, but could have caught a bus if it was offered. She said the situation for residents would worsen in winter when fewer children could walk to school.

Brookfield resident Mark Seberry said the bus cancellation was "a bit of a disaster". He said fewer children would walk or ride to school in winter and congestion would be worse.

"It's pretty much mayhem at both the schools at the moment," he said.

"When winter comes it pretty much rains every day."

Mr Seberry thought Brookfield's expanding population would soon provide the numbers to make a bus service viable.

"There are houses popping up like mushrooms," he said.

"Within a few short years it's probably going to be more than enough."

Ms Steele said Brookfield and Rapids Landing could have enough children for a joint bus service.