An assistant principal has accused Hunter Valley Buses and Transport for NSW of putting money above the safety of students at his school.
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In his seven years at St Joseph's College Lochinvar, David Crawford said the school had grown from 670 students to more than 950 - and that school bus numbers had failed to keep up.
He said in that time, after much bargaining, only two extra buses had been added.
"My biggest concern is, quite frankly, it all seems to come down to dollars," Mr Crawford said.
"We've had ongoing issues for those seven years with overcrowding.
"We've increased by 300 students; it's no wonder we've got a problem."
Mr Crawford was speaking following the Mercury's front page story on Monday (Bus stop babysitter) which revealed an alarming shortage of seats on school buses.
"We are trying to work very hard with the bus company to get these changes happening but somewhere along the line, money's got to stop coming before the safety and wellbeing of the kids," Mr Crawford said.
"Generally speaking, I've got no qualms with the bus drivers in what they're trying to do, but it's not a great situation."
He said lack of buses travelling to Aberglasslyn was of particular concern following massive growth in recent years. He believes a simple solution would be to add a couple extra buses to alleviate the issue.
Mr Crawford said he had spoken to the bus company numerous times.
"It's beyond the school's control, that is probably the biggest thing I have to tell people," he said.
"We don't order the buses, we fight very hard to make sure that students have adequate transport to get home but at the end of the day, it's the bus company that needs to do that.
"We want to thank the parents and the community for their support and understanding that it's not something the school can control."
Mr Crawford said he forwarded any complaints he received to the company, and encouraged parents to share their concerns with them as well.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said the organisation was aware there had been an increase in student numbers in the Lochinvar area.
"In response to this we are undertaking a further review of school bus services for St Joseph’s College, St Patrick’s Primary School and Lochinvar Primary School," the spokesperson said.
"Transport for NSW and Hunter Valley Buses are committed to providing the best possible services for our customers and their safety is our number one priority.
"Students and parents will be advised of any changes to bus services for Term 2."
Mr Crawford acknowledged managing a bus network was "an extremely complicated matter" but said the communication around changes was poor.
"At the end of the day, we're the ones who have to manage the fallout and make it work in the afternoon," he said.
"As far as I'm concerned, they are trying to put a square peg in a round hole.
"I'd hate to think what would happen if there was an accident."