Newcastle Transport Provider, Keolis Downer has apologised to parents and students at Wallsend's Callaghan College after a school bus failed to pick-up students yesterday afternoon.
The 870 School Service was scheduled for a 3:37pm arrival at the College, but for reasons unknown didn't arrive.
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery said her office fielded several calls from frustrated parents yesterday afternoon who were forced to leave work early to pick-up their children, while one student had to walk 6km home to Shortland.
According to Ms Hornery, some parents complained to Keolis Downer via telephone and were told they'd receive a response in 7 to 10 days.
She says it's just one example of a bus system which has been failing since it was privitised- "This takeover and privitisation of the public transport network in Newcastle has been a complete and utter failure," Ms Hornery said.
"The Minister [for Transport Andrew Constance] should grab his coat and head for the door."
She's waiting on a response from the office of Andrew Constance, after having written several letters to him 3 weeks ago.
In a statement given to 2NURFM News, Keolis Downer's Hunter General Manager Mark Dunlop said he contacted the Callaghan College Vice Principal personally to apologise to all impacted as soon as the failure came to light.
He says they're working hard to understand the root of the problem so that it doesn't happen again.
"Keolis Downer is committed to providing the best possible services to the people of Newcastle and eastern Lake Macquarie and accepts it has not delivered on this occasion."
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| Callaghan College at Wallsend. |