Parent Testimonials
Feedback about the school bus service, after running the pilot
Hi Marta,Today we didn't use the school bus and I did the drive to and from school.
On the morning run to school I encountered a hold-up on Englands Lane due to a Tesco delivery truck, road closures in Belsize Park which required a detour and then a delay caused by standstill traffic on Belsize Crescent/Avenue. On the way back to Islington I had a detour due to a road closure at the top of Torriano Avenue.
In the afternoon I returned from school avoiding Torriano Avenue and decided not to take Agar Grove as it was so busy. I then headed towards the back of Kings Cross, entered roadworks and had a stand-off with a John Lewis truck which, despite my car being practically out of the single traffic lane, blocked my exit. The two men refused to back up 1metre to let me out, insisting I back up about 30 metres. They got out of the truck and basically tried to bully me. I held my resolve (while explaining to the boys about a lady called Margaret Thatcher who famously said, "The lady's not for turning"!) and after 5 minutes I won the battle of wills (yeah!), but it was a hollow victory when I discovered that Goodsway is now closed one way and I had to sit through heavy traffic on Euston Road to make my way back to Islington. Avoiding a woman running across the road wearing headphones and a man wobbling on his bike as he used his mobile phone, we finally made it home where I circled my square twice before finding a parking place.
A great reminder of why I use the school bus... and of what a brilliant job you are doing with Transport4Schools.
Please pass on my regards to our school bus driver James who is doing amazingly well to transport the children around given the current roadworks and road closures.
Islington A2 Mum x
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Thanks Marta.
It really is a fantastic service, and has definitely changed my life for the better! I also think that the kids prefer it, even though they don't get me taking them to school or picking them up any more. It was always so stressful for us in the mornings - battling the traffic, finding somewhere to park, worrying about the traffic wardens, and now we're all much happier. My little one can't wait to join her big brother and sister next term.
Julia
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Dear Marta,
We have been very pleased with the school bus which runs from Muswell Hill. We had a superb chaperone and Harry has enjoyed travelling with the other children. We would like to use the service next term.
Many thanks to you for organising things so well. It is nothing short of a miracle to have transport to school from Crouch End!
With very best wishes,
Sarah
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Marta - just wanted to say how fantastic we think the bus is! Joe loves going on the bus. He will be coming back by bus this Friday - thanks for all your hard work getting the bus going - it has all been worth it!
Fiona, (Muswell Hill B2)
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Hello Marta,
The school bus is fantastic and so are Lata and Joseph (Chaperone and driver). Richard will use it every day this week and we would definitely like to continue after the Easter break.
Best wishes and thanks for putting this scheme together.
Jutta, (West Hampstead D1)
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Hi Marta,
My former school run share is delighted with the Highbury bus - she said that it had "changed her life" - she's back in the house by 7.50.
Me next please ... Angel/Barnsbury women need their lives back too!
After Easter??
(Pester power worked for the Highbury crowd!)
Charlotte xx, (Islington A1)
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Thanks for all you have done, Marta! This has transformed my life for the better and helped me feel much more settled in Islington, that's for sure.
Have a great Easter!
All the best,
Kristin x, (Islington A2)
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Hi Marta
The bus has been a great success for Oscar and he has really enjoyed it!
His school (Hampstead Hill) break up for Easter tomorrow.
We would like to start again on Wed 21st April.
Best regards
Katherine, (Muswell Hill D1)
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Dear Marta
The service seems to be working really well, I hope we can start considering this permanent, I would also like to say that our escort, is very conscientious and courteous.
Well done.
Sarah, (Muswell Hill D1)
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Hi Marta
Glad that all is going well with the programme - it's such a boon to us to have this service. Please do keep us informed re the A1 route as that will make life a great deal easier when we no longer have a nanny.
Regards
Mary, (Islington A1)
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Hi Marta,
The boys seem to really be enjoying the bus which is great. Thanks for all your effort with the bus, I don't envy you!
Regards
Matt, (Islington A2)
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Thanks, the bus is just great. Have a great easter and see you on the 21 st april, many thanks
Rachel, (Muswell Hill B2)
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Hi Marta
Thank you so much for all your hard work, the bus has made such a difference. I'm sorry if my boys are the loudest and most disruptive!!
Have a fabulous Easter
Sarah, (Islington A2)
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Hi Marta,
Many thanks for your ongoing hard work not doing the daily drive has made a huge change for us.
Thanks again,
Liz, (Islington A2)