As schools reopen, families in Greater Manchester are grappling with challenging commutes. For many, the journey to school can take over an hour, creating significant stress for both parents and children. This is the reality for Tosin Balogun and her two children, who previously faced a 65-minute bus trip from Stretford to Harpurhey, despite the short distance of just six miles.
Three years ago, the Balogun family was forced out of their home in Gorton due to a landlord’s eviction. Afterward, the local council temporarily housed them in Stretford. At that time, Tosin’s daughter was 15 and her son was 12, just beginning secondary school. The lengthy commutes contributed to considerable anxiety. “We used to leave home at 6:30 a.m. to get to school for 8:15 a.m.,” Tosin shared. “Sometimes the bus would be full, and we would have to wait for another one.”
The family’s journey involved taking two buses, first arriving at Piccadilly Gardens before walking to Shudehill for a connecting bus. On a good day, the commute could be completed in around an hour. Yet, the stress of such travel was palpable for Tosin, who works as a health care assistant.
Despite their difficult circumstances, the Baloguns were ineligible for free transport to their school, Manchester Communication Academy. Government guidelines stipulate that children qualify for free transport only if they live more than two miles from school and there is no ‘suitable school’ closer. Given the density of Greater Manchester, finding a school located more than three miles away is nearly impossible.
Currently, there are approximately 8,000 children in temporary accommodation within the city-region. This situation leaves many parents with a tough choice: pay for bus fares or move their children to a different school. For Tosin, the decision to continue paying for transport was made to avoid disrupting her children’s education.
Advocates for homeless families, including the Manchester Evening News, are calling for change. They urge Andy Burnham, the mayor of Greater Manchester, to introduce a free bus pass for children in temporary accommodation who live more than a 30-minute walk from school. This campaign has garnered support from eight Greater Manchester MPs, numerous charities, and hundreds of residents who have signed a petition.
In response to the plight of families like the Baloguns, Manchester Communication Academy has begun covering the bus fares for some homeless children. They are utilizing a £10,000 grant from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity to fund bus tickets, staff training, and support packages for newly homeless families living nearby.
On December 3, 2023, the mayor expressed sympathy for families facing such challenges, but he did not commit to implementing the requested bus passes. “What might open the door is we are moving to a more interventionist space as a combined authority,” Burnham stated. He mentioned plans to utilize 400 empty properties to alleviate the costs associated with temporary accommodation and indicated that discussions regarding the budget would continue into January.
The early mornings can be particularly harsh in Stretford during December. Despite the cold, the area is bustling as commuters navigate the busy A56. The 255 and 263 buses provide service to the city center, taking approximately half an hour. The 263 route, winding through Hulme, often experiences delays that can add to the stress of making it to school on time.
Arriving at Manchester Communication Academy by 8:25 a.m. is crucial for students, as those who arrive before 8:00 a.m. qualify for a free breakfast. However, the pressure to arrive on time can be overwhelming for families like Tosin’s. The chaotic nature of the commute can leave students feeling anxious and unprepared for their school day.
Once at school, students encounter various signs highlighting the academy’s core values, including ‘grit’. While the arduous journey may instill resilience in students, it is a challenging way to start the day. If the Baloguns were to repeat their previous commute, it would cost them an estimated £5.33 per day for bus fares, based on current pricing for monthly passes.
Although recent changes in the Bee Network have simplified ticketing and introduced hopper fares, many families still face significant monthly transportation costs to ensure their children can attend school. Advocates argue that it is unjust for homeless parents to shoulder these financial burdens simply to fulfill their responsibilities.
As families prepare for the new school term, there is a growing call for the mayor to take action and ensure that children in temporary accommodation have access to affordable transportation options. The Manchester Evening News emphasizes that no parent should have to choose between paying for transportation and providing their children with a stable education.
