Dear All,

I hope that you are all doing well and looking forward to the upcoming summer holidays. This newsletter is for all new and renewing members of BLOC. Thank you to all who have registered for the 2024-2025 school year.

I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their patience regarding the issues we have had with the bus service this year. These issues were in large part related to the uncertainty of the future of Charlton Buses, as well as other unavoidable problems that resulted in delays and cancellations.

We have decided to remain with Charlton Buses, but some changes will be implemented, in particular with regards to their practices. A new management team will be put in place and we have been assured that Europa will be the primary client serviced by the company. As part of this agreement, prices will rise by ~25%. We have a longstanding relationship with Charlton Buses and this year’s issues do not reflect the experience we’ve endured long-term. Furthermore, their prices were more competitive than those of other companies contacted, with some companies quoting 3x what we currently pay and most unable to supply all 6 buses.

Unfortunately due to the start of the summer holidays, invoices will be raised in August, but we can confirm that everyone who registered to date has a place.  

We have made some other changes:

• We recognise that there is a huge demand for Bus 4, therefore we will have a larger bus to accommodate the demand;
• We have added a new stop for Bus 4 at Dunmore Road-Parsons Mead in Abingdon. If anyone would prefer to use this stop and therefore change to Bus 4, please get in touch with the committee;
• Bus 3 is now full in the afternoons, but there are some seats available in the mornings; the other buses have capacity; and
• Confirmation of the costs is still being worked out and therefore the invoices are not ready, but as soon as they are, we will send you a message, do keep an eye out on your junk mail folder.

AGM 2024

The AGM will be in September or October next school year. The date will be confirmed in the last few weeks of August. In preparation for the AGM:

1. Please review the BLOC constitution
2. All BLOC committee roles will be open as per the constitution (see job descriptions). If you would like to stand or want to find out more please contact info@blocbus.org by the 31st of August

Only members who have paid their invoice in full are eligible to vote at the AGM. Those who have not paid can still attend.

Proposals for Route Changes

We have had informal queries about adding new routes (for example on Wednesday lunchtimes) and changing stops on existing routes.  New routes and larger changes to existing routes (with multiple stops moving between buses) need a full member consultation and vote, as per the constitution.

If you have an idea you would like to take to the membership, please formally submit a proposal via email to info@blocbus.org with all the details (e.g. location of stops, route the bus will follow between the stops, benefits or impacts on timings, and any existing support from other users).  The committee can then support putting the proposal through the process.

Summer Holidays

Finally we would like to remind you that the BLOC committee will have limited time to respond to queries over the summer holidays, but will aim to get back to most queries before the start of term.

We wish everybody a wonderful summer and we look forward to seeing you all next year.

The BLOC Committee

Dear All,

I hope, as always, that you are all enjoying the occasional sunny weather we have been experiencing lately and that your children are happily settling in in the spring term. I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who paid their spring term invoices in full and on time.

Please be aware of the following important points:

• Registration for both full-time and part-time users for the 2024-2025 school year will open at the beginning of May and registration will remain open until the end of May, so please remember to register ASAP in order to secure a seat. We had a number of re-registration issues for the Spring term, whereby some part-time users lost their seats. According to the rules of BLOC, the order of priority for bus users is as follows:

1. Current full-time users
2. New full-time users
3. Current part-time users
4. New part-time users

Please note that most buses are close to, if not at, full capacity, so part-time seats will be limited. Furthermore, confirmation that your children have been allocated a seat will come in the form of an invoice, which will be sent out by 30^th June, 2024.

• Concerns raised by parents of part-time users were discussed at the last committee meeting. It’s been agreed that part-time registrations will now be for the full school year from September or for the remaining period of the academic year, depending on when the registration is submitted.

EMAIL REQUESTS AND QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMITTEE

As I mentioned previously, please note that when sending us an email, it may take us up to one week to reply to individual emails.

TRACKER

I understand that most users rely on the trackers that accompany each of the buses when getting their kids ready for school. Technology is not infallible, so whilst it is a useful tool, there are some glitches that occur, particularly when Wi-Fi is unreliable. Therefore, we urge you to arrive at your stop at least five minutes prior to the bus’s scheduled arrival.

GENERAL BEHAVIOUR

I am pleased to report that we have received very few reports of poor behaviour. That being said, please remember to remind your children that they must remain seated and buckled in whilst on the bus. Furthermore, given the wide range of ages of all users, to bear in mind that some language and topics are not appropriate to share in front of the younger children.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

This is just a reminder of who is on the committee:

Chair: Jeevan Vasagar
Registrar: Mathilde Akar
Treasurer: Rita Barrow
Communications Officer: Marianne Bergeron
Secretary: Jamie Downing

I wish you all a good school term as we head into the spring season.

Marianne

Dear All,

I hope, as always, that you all enjoyed a nice and relaxing half-term holiday and are looking forward to the (hopefully) sunny and warmer weather. As before, we have had a number of issues with bus delays and re-routed routes. Whenever possible, we will advise you of these delays and keep you informed. In some instances, some road closure reports have led to confusion, both for us and the bus company. If you are aware of a problem leading to an unforeseen road closure, please do send us as detailed information as possible so that the information can be passed on to the bus company and a resolution sought more quickly. As we do not all live in the same area, it is difficult to transmit often partial information that proves unhelpful to the bus company. I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who paid their winter term invoices in full and on time.

Please be aware of the following important points:

• Re-registration for Part-Time Users for the spring term is now open. Register before the until the 17^th March.
  Please use this form to register: https://forms.gle/kAAdj32K9tirzEGH8
  
  
• Invoices for the spring term will be sent out during the last week of March, please be sure to keep an eye out for the email, either in your inbox or junk mailbox; and

EMAIL REQUESTS AND QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMITTEE

As I mentioned in the previous newsletter, please note that when sending us an email, it may take us up to one week to reply to individual emails.

REQUESTS FOR AD-HOC SEATS

Please be aware that all the buses are full, therefore we are unable to accommodate ad-hoc requests.

S5 AND S7 STUDENTS

We would like to remind parents whose children are in S5 and S7 MUST register and pay for the whole term, or cancel your seats before the 17th of March, when places will be finalised and invoices will be calculated. Unfortunately, it is not possible to pay for one month of bus use. Users who fail to cancel before the 17th will be liable to pay the invoice for the summer term, as per the terms and conditions of BLOC.

TRACKER

I understand that most users rely on the trackers that accompany each of the buses when getting their kids ready for school. Technology is not infallible, so whilst it is a useful tool there are black spots in mobile and GPS coverage which stop the location being updated. Therefore, we urge all parents to:

• arrive at your stop at least five minutes prior to the bus’s scheduled arrival to avoid delaying the onward journey
• share updates on the buses progress in the WhatsApp groups

GENERAL BEHAVIOUR

We are still having issues with children refusing to use their seatbelts and some have been caught running around the bus while it is moving. I repeat that this is unacceptable (for obvious reasons) and will not be tolerated.

We have had a number of reports about a situation involving a child relieving themselves on the bus and then throwing the matter at other children. I don’t have to explain why this is not acceptable, but please remind your children to use the washroom prior to boarding the bus. We will also speak with the school and urge them to let pupils use the washroom before they leave in the afternoon.

Please also remember that eating and drinking on the bus is also not allowed.

It pains me to also have to tell you that abusive behaviour towards members of the committee will not be tolerated.  We are all parents of children using the bus service and it is in all of our best interest to get the kids to school and back home as safely as possible. We fully understand that it is frustrating when the bus is late, but it serves no useful purpose whatsoever to send rude WhatsApp messages and make abusive phone calls.

UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES

In light of the school’s recent closure due to a water pipe problem and the confusion that ensued, we will follow the school’s procedures. Students who cannot be collected by their parents will remain at school until the scheduled buses collect them at the end of the school day.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

This is just a reminder of who is on the committee:

Chair: Jeevan Vasagar
Registrar: Mathilde Akar
Treasurer: Rita Barrow
Communications Officer: Marianne Bergeron
Secretary: Jamie Downing

I wish you all a good school term as we head into the spring season.

Marianne

I hope you all enjoyed a nice and relaxing half-term holiday. As many have commented over the last few days, things have been a bit dicey in terms of bus delays. Unfortunately, delayed buses due to road traffic accidents, construction, and inclement weather are beyond our control. Whenever possible, we will advise you of these delays and keep you informed. I also want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who paid their autumn term invoices in full and on time.

Please be aware of the following important points:

• Re-registration for part-time users for the Spring Term will open on Monday 6 November and close on Thursday 30 November.
  
• Invoices for the Spring term will be sent out by the 18th of December. We expect the fees to be in the region of ~£250 for Full Time users and ~£150 for Part Time users – but the exact amount will depend on several factors. Be sure to keep an eye out for the email, either in your inbox or junk mailbox.

EMAIL REQUESTS AND QUESTIONS FOR THE COMMITTEE

We receive many requests and questions concerning the bus service and many require an immediate response. Please note that it may take us up to one week to reply to individual emails, so do take this into consideration when emailing us.

REQUESTS FOR AD-HOC SEATS

Please be aware that all of the buses are full, therefore we are unable to accommodate ad-hoc requests.

GENERAL BEHAVIOUR

There have been a number of instances whereby children have refused to use their seatbelts, some have been caught running around the bus while it is moving, and there have been some issues concerning anti-social behaviour. Please know that this is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Should repeat offenders refuse to abide by the rules, we will have no choice but to take action. Eating and drinking on the bus is also not allowed.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS

This is just a reminder of who is on the committee:

Chair: Jeevan Vasagar
Registrar: Mathilde Akar
Treasurer: Rita Barrow
Communications Officer: Marianne Bergeron
Secretary: Jamie Downing

We wish you all a good school term as we head into the festive season.

Important Update Bus 4: following the news that the Heyfordian coach company has ceased operations, the Culham Bus Club has issues on Bus 6 next term. We have received a number of requests for seats on Bus 4 who have been placed on a full time user waiting list.  This may mean that in January 2024 we will be unable to offer as many part time places.

I hope everyone has had a relaxing summer and is ready for the start of term.  The BLOC buses will start on Tuesday the 5th of September (the first day of school). 

1. Please check the timetable and stop map which have been updated for September 2023 and ensure that you arrive at the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time – buses will not wait and please do not message parents to ask them to. The provisional timetable will be confirmed by the 1st of September with the bus company.
   
2. Children in Reception to Primary Year 3 must notify the school according to their transport process.
   
3. Re-read the code of conduct and rules in the Ts and Cs.  For example, did you know that eating is not permitted on the buses.
   
4. If you have not already, please pay your invoice for the September term.
   
5. Reminder: we are no longer running any Wednesday lunchtime buses.  The after school buses (15:55) will run as usual.
   
6. Reminder: all part time and other users are only registered for one term.  Re-registration for spring will happen after half term.  Buses 3, 4, 11 are close to capacity and if new full time applications are made PM part time slots will be reduced in the Spring term.

I would also like to remind everyone that the BLOC AGM is on the 27th of September.  Please do come if you are able, as the AGM is vital to the continued operation of BLOC and important items are discussed and decided at the AGM.

Complete this form to register your attendance at the AGM: https://forms.gle/Afb9kif7u8EoBJVEA 

We are looking for nominations for all committee positions, although the treasurer is standing again.  The committee roles are vital to the running of the BLOC buses and need to be filled.

Kind Regards,

Jamie Downing
BLOC Chair

Dear All,

This is a newsletter for all new and renewing members of BLOC. Thank you to everyone who has registered and paid: this makes the committee’s job a lot easier.

Thank you also to members from this year who have renewed their membership. This year the new committee has:

• Planned for major road closures with major route updates
• Negotiated a new welfare process where the school retains accountability and responsibility
• Negotiated a sustainable bus price increase with the bus company against the challenge of inflation (the September 2023 FT fare is £5 less than the equivalent 2022 fare)
• Dealt with a higher number of code of conduct issues
• Handled serious congestion issues
• Ensured that there are no outstanding invoices throughout the whole year
• Improved the invoicing process so that they are issued earlier allowing more time to make payments
• Codified the terms of usage of BLOC in a new Ts and Cs document, removing ambiguity
• Embraced user requests for a defined consultation process for major changes

And of course, the day to day jobs that have meant that the buses have been getting our children to and from school every day. I would like to thank all the committee members for their hard work.

Wednesday Lunchtime Buses in September 2023

Next year BLOC will not operate a Wednesday lunchtime bus.

The consultation had 34 responses. The responses indicated the following:

• the majority would prefer to pay separately for the lunchtime bus or not have it at all
• 70% of respondents who use the lunchtime bus would be happy to pay for it separately
• A separately paid for service should be organized separately to BLOC
• A service open to all students would better serve the transport needs of the school

You can also read all the consultation comments.

The BLOC committee have been in touch with two people who volunteered to organise a lunchtime bus next year about how to take it forward. This would allow additional school members to use the bus and be more inclusive.

AGM 2023

The AGM will be in September or October next school year. The date will be confirmed in the last few weeks of August. In preparation for the AGM:

1. Please review the BOC constitution
2. All BLOC committee roles will be open as per the constitution (see job descriptions). If you would like to stand or want to find out more please contact info@blocbus.org by the 31st of August

Only members who have paid their invoice in full are eligible to vote at the AGM. Those who have not paid can still attend.

Summer Holidays

Finally we would like to remind you that the BLOC committee will have limited time to respond to queries over the summer holidays, but will aim to get back to most queries before the start of term.

We hope everyone has a relaxing summer and we look forward to seeing you all next year.

The BLOC Committee

Hello everyone,

I hope you have all had a good term.  The buses have been running smoothly this term along the re-organised routes. The Botley road will close before next term, an event for which we are now well prepared. This will mean that the Wednesday lunchtime buses will be reduced, with the 1&3 route stopping – see below for more details.  The bus trackers are providing more timely updates with the new SIM cards – thank you to everyone for being patient while we resolved the issues and got them up and running.

This newsletter has some important updates from the committee.  I particularly want to draw your attention to:

• Wednesday lunchtime buses next term (Summer 2023): Bus 1&3 will not operate, and tickets will no longer be required.
• A new process for handling serious or urgent welfare issues involving the school
• A rise in bad behaviour on the buses: please remind your children what is expected of them

Enjoy the holidays and see you next term,

Jamie

Update from the Welfare and Comms Officer

Behaviour 

There has been a rise in bad behavior and incidents on all bus routes over the last month. This is incredibly time consuming and concerning. Please speak to your children to remind them of the expected behaviour on the buses.

Please note that children must remain in their seats with their seatbelts on and there should be NO eating and drinking on the bus.

We suggest that the younger children sit at the front of the bus and the older children at the back.

Welfare

We have been discussing the best way to handle serious welfare and behaviour issues on the bus with the school.

The BLOC committee:

• do not have the context available to the school (e.g. is an incident a continuation of behaviour in the playground),
• do not have the same level of experience of handling issues as the school
• cannot always be available on short notice, and
• are not always impartial as parents ourselves.

We have agreed with the school that their pastoral teams will investigate and resolve serious or urgent welfare issues on the buses and recommend any actions required by BLOC.

From now on:

• For serious or urgent welfare issues that occur on the buses please report them directly to the school at principal@europaschool.uk  
  
• For other behavioural problems, queries and issues please continue to contact BLOC (info@blocbus.org).  We will involve the school when appropriate for issues reported to us directly.

Gina

Update from the Treasurer

To ensure the buses run smoothly the committee need to ensure that invoices are paid promptly so that the bus company are paid on time. Thank you to everyone who paid their invoices on time. 

Invoices for Summer

Invoices for Term 3 were sent out on the 28 March 2023. Please check your spam filters if you have not received them. The invoices must be paid within 30 days to avoid the seat going to another user.

Remember to check your spam filters for invoices if you do not see them. Please do not contact committee members via WhatsApp regarding your invoices as they are unable to help you. All invoice queries must be directed to treasurer@blocbus.org. Please expect a response within ONE WEEK. This inbox receives a high number of emails.

Rita

Update from the Registrar

Registration for 2023 / 2024

Registration for BLOC buses for the next school year, September 2023 to July 2024, will open as follows to current users:

• Full-Time users from 5 May 2023
• Part-time users from 26 May 2023

Everyone who has registered will be sent the Invoices for the Autumn term will be sent by 20^th June 2023. A minimum sum of £100 from the invoice must be paid by 4^th July 2023 to secure the seat and the balance must be paid by the end of August 2023.  If the minimum sum is not paid the seating request will be cancelled and offered to any new applicant.

Other usage patterns after 7^th August 2023 – but this will depend on remaining availability and such ‘other’ patterns will only be accepted where the child is using the buses FT . Please note demand is high and there will no confirmation available before this time.

Other patterns where users only use 2 or 3 times a week (AM or PM) are unlikely to be available given the increase in demand due to many parents no longer working from home/remotely.

The link to the form will be emailed to users based on the timelines stated above and a form will need to be completed for each user.

Please note that part-time usage and Other-type of usage, if confirmed, is only offered on a termly basis – it is not guaranteed for the whole year.

Wednesday Lunchtime Buses

Wednesday lunchtime bus 1&3 will cease to operate after this term (no service in Summer Term 2023).

The ticket process for Wednesday lunchtime buses will also stop – any registered BLOC user can board the bus.

We will perform another spot check on the buses early next term to assess the capacity levels and address any free riding issues.

Non-Registered Users

Only those children registered with BLOC are permitted to travel on the buses.  This must be abided by given the numerous welfare and safeguarding issues recently reported. Some registered users have gone without seats on buses and had to be picked up by parents.  This has happened most recently on Bus 3 and 4.

To ensure that there are not further incidents BLOC need to know about all the children who are travelling on the bus. Please do not invite guests or offer seats on the bus without formally requesting it through the committee.

The school now have a complete list of all users and if they receive a request to place a non-registered user on the bus, they will not be able to do so without written confirmation from the BLOC committee. 

We are not currently taking standard requests for ad-hoc usage as most buses are near capacity. If such a request is required, then contact the committee at least 5 days in advance if you have an urgent need.

S7 Usage

To answer potential questions re S7 invoices: you have been invoiced the full amount for the term.

Trials have been conducted in some previous years (not all) of reduced costs in S7 on the premise that students only attend on a small number of days. For example – last year the assumption was that the students would only attend on exam days. However, this was not the case and lots of students studied at school throughout the exam period and many continued to attend school (in June) for muck-up week, the S7 review performance (& rehersals) and other activities.

As we do not have the capacity to monitor daily usage and students may want use the bus in June, we have decided to invoice the full amount this year.

S7 parents always have the option cancel usage now for next term and drive to & from exams, if they feel the FT/PT fees are excessive. It is worth noting that we can’t apply dispensation each time, otherwise we would be asked to discount when pupils attend school trips.

Andre

Important updates ahead of Spring 2023:

* New Routes!
* Wednesday Lunchtime Buses
* Bus Capacity
* Trackers