Thousands of families in Greater Manchester are facing significant challenges as they navigate the school transportation system. Many, like **Tosin Balogun**, find themselves making lengthy commutes to ensure their children receive an education. This situation highlights the pressing need for policy changes to support families living in temporary accommodation.
Balogun, a 42-year-old healthcare assistant, recalls the arduous journey she and her two children undertook. Although it is only six miles from **Stretford** to **Harpurhey**, the family spent **65 minutes** traveling on two buses just to reach **Manchester Communication Academy**. Their ordeal began three years ago when they were evicted from their home in **Gorton**. “The landlord said he could not fix the issues unless he gave us an eviction,” Balogun explained. The family was temporarily housed by **Manchester City Council** in Stretford, which led to their daily commute challenges.
Initially, Balogun’s daughter was **15** and her son was **12**, just starting secondary school. The stress of commuting from Stretford took its toll, prompting the family to move closer to the school by **2022**. “We used to leave home at **6:30 AM** to get to school for **8:15 AM**,” she recounted. The buses were often crowded, forcing them to wait for another bus.
Despite their hardships, the Balogun family was ineligible for free transport under current government guidelines, which stipulate that children qualify for free transport only if they live more than **two miles** from school and no suitable school is closer. In Greater Manchester, it is nearly impossible to be more than three miles away from a school. Currently, there are approximately **8,000 children** living in temporary accommodation in the city-region, leaving their parents with limited options: pay for transport or change schools.
Recognizing the gravity of this situation, the **Manchester Evening News** has been vocal about the need for a free bus pass for children in temporary accommodation who live more than **30 minutes’ walk** from school. This campaign has garnered support from **eight Greater Manchester MPs**, including six from the mayor’s Labour Party, along with several high-profile charities and numerous residents who have signed a petition advocating for this change.
In response to the challenges faced by families like the Baloguns, Manchester Communication Academy has begun covering some of the transportation costs for homeless students. They utilize a **£10,000 grant** from the **Greater Manchester Mayor’s Charity** to pay for bus tickets, staff training, and support packages for recently homeless families.
During a recent statement on **December 3, 2023**, Mayor **Andy Burnham** expressed sympathy for families struggling with these issues but did not commit to the proposed free bus passes. “What might open the door is we are moving to a more interventionist space as a combined authority. We are in discussions over the budget which come to a head in January,” he noted, indicating that the situation is under consideration.
The early morning environment in Stretford can be quite daunting in December. The A56 is filled with traffic, and the bus routes can be unpredictable. For example, the **255** and **263** buses, which stop outside the Public Hall, take about **30 minutes** to reach the city center. However, delays are common, adding to the anxiety of parents trying to ensure their children arrive at school on time.
Upon arriving at Manchester Communication Academy, students encounter signs reflecting the school’s core values, including the concept of “grit.” While this journey may instill resilience in students, the financial burden on families is substantial. If the Baloguns had to repeat their previous commute, they would spend at least **£5.33 per day** on transportation, factoring in the cost of an **£80 adult** and two **£40 child** monthly bus passes.
Balogun cannot recall the precise costs of their earlier travels, but it likely exceeded current fares, as they undertook this journey before the **Bee Network** simplified ticketing and introduced hopper fares. Although it may be easier for families to afford transportation now, the reality remains that Greater Manchester’s homeless parents are being asked to spend **£40** or more each month to keep their children in school. This heavy financial strain is viewed by many, including Balogun and various advocates, as an unfair burden.
As the holiday season approaches, the **Manchester Evening News** continues to call on Mayor Burnham to take decisive action. The pressing need for change is evident, and the voices of the community demand that education should not come at such a steep cost for those already facing significant challenges.
