UPDATE FRIDAY MAY 22:
The schools affected have staggered the start of their sports games. Transdev confirmed today that it will resume transportation from next week, Friday May 29.
EARLIER STORY:
SUTHERLAND Shire parents have taken to social media to express their anger and disappointment at recent changes to school sport transport arrangements.
Shire primary schools that participate in sport run by the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association had their Friday afternoon sport bus services cancelled.
This affected all public primary schools in the Shire and Cronulla PSSA zones.
Pupils were selected through trials to take part in PSSA sport across a variety of sports, including netball, rugby league, basketball, cricket, hockey, rugby, soccer, softball and tennis.
Transdev, the bus company that takes children to different sports venues in the area, cancelled Friday sport for the second week in a row.
Sutherland Shire mother Ruth Holt was disappointed the sports day had been cancelled again.
Her daughter, 8, at Sutherland North Public School, was chosen to play netball. She takes the bus to Bellingara Courts at Miranda each Friday afternoon.
‘‘It’s just unfortunate because the bus didn’t turn up last week either and then there was all that wet weather we had, so it got rained out,’’ she said.
‘‘The kids all try out and there’s a big build-up when they’re selected, so they get excited.
‘‘The Shire is very sports-oriented and has a good name for doing sports. It’s a big thing because the kids can’t try out until year3.’’
Other parents posted their reactions to the news on the Leader’s Facebook page.
Kylie Platt: ‘‘Lots of very disappointed children.’’
Christine Locke: ‘‘It’s so unfair on all the kids and teachers because each week they look forward to their sports.’’
Kathryn Korbel: ‘‘In this day when we’re supposed to be encouraging kids to exercise, cancelling sport is not a viable solution. School sport is the highlight of the week for many less academic students, it’s their time to shine. There are a lot of angry parents and frustrated children.’’
The Transdev spokeswoman said schools were contacted by phone and email and a statement about the transport difficulties was issued for use in school newsletters.
‘‘Transdev will continue to work with the PSSA and schools to find a resolution that will allow the children to be transported to sports locations,’’ she said.
‘‘There have been no other Transdev charter services impacted and Transdev continues to provide charters throughout Sydney.
‘‘Transdev apologises to schools, parents and students for the temporary cancellation of Friday afternoon sport.’’
WHAT TRANSDEV SAID
A SPOKESWOMAN for Transdev NSW South, the bus company that takes children to different sports venues in the area, said not enough buses could be provided to fulfil the sports travel needs of primary schools in this area.
‘‘Transdev charter staff are unable to redeploy enough buses and drivers and there are no other bus companies in the region that can assist with transporting the large volume of school students at the one time,’’ she said.
‘‘Transdev has met with other local bus companies and the presidents of the Cronulla and Sutherland PSSA zones to discuss the circumstances that led to the cancellation of Friday PSSA sport transport.
‘‘Transdev and the other bus companies have worked to develop a potential solution which will provide enough buses for PSSA sport to resume in coming weeks.
‘‘Options for transport have been presented to the zone presidents for discussion and consideration by schools.’’
■ Was your child’s school affected?
