I invite the Council to rethink the transport provided to Cardross pupils travelling to and from Hermitage Academy. As it states on Argyll and Bute website the following:-

The council aims to assist parents in their responsibility of ensuring that their child attends school safely and on time in line with Council policy on the provision of transport.

The council will also strive to ensure, the most effective, safe and economical use of resources. The council will aim be responsive to the concerns of parents and guardians in the provision of appropriate transport to meet the needs of each child.

Legislation also states:-

Under Section 42 of the Act, the authority must provide free transport or such other arrangements for all pupils up to age 8 who live more than 2 miles from their local school and for all pupils over age 8 who live more than 3 miles from their local school.

However in the past 8 months pupils have missed more than a full day's schooling when all the late arrivals and early departures from school are added up due to having to use other transport as trains have been cancelled, and that's only the occasions when the school have been informed of a cancellation. There have been many times the school knew absolutely nothing and children are left to make their own way to and from school as no alternative transport had been arranged. This is in no way looking after our children's safety.

As an added concern first bus no longer accept scotrail travellers with a ticket so if a child doesn't have any money then using the bus is not an option either.

I think a different means of school transportation needs to be considered as there are far more reliable sources out there. I plan to send this petition to Argyll and Bute Council, all local councillors and our local MP.