School ups van prices ahead of scholastic year

Parents whose children attend San Andrea school have complained about the school’s plans to double transport prices for parents requesting their children to be dropped off at a location other than that from which they were picked up.

Parents were informed over the past month, that those who want their children to be picked up from one address and then dropped off at a different location, such as at a grandparent or other relative’s house, will have to pay double the standard transportation fee for this service.

Parents who spoke to MaltaToday said that with both parents working, it is sometimes necessary for children to be dropped off either at a grandparent’s house or in some cases the parent’s place of work.

Parents also said that given that they pay good money to send their children to the school, they expect the school to take care of logistics in order to accommodate parents’ needs. 

One parent, commenting on Facebook, pointed out that the school was difficult enough to get to as it is, and that this decision by the school will further exacerbate the existing transportation problem. “Instead of encouraging people to use school transport they are hindering efforts to use the service.”

Parents who spoke to this newspaper said that they were very disappointed that the school is taking this attitude. 

“Given the money we pay and the support we give to the school I am very disappointed that the school has taken this position. We have written to the school board however they do not seem to be willing to change their mind,” said one parent who wished to remain anonymous. 

Another mother explained how, given that her children take part in extra-curricular activities some days of the week, she cannot accept that she is being asked to pay double the price for a service which she is already not making full use of. “It is impossible for me or my husband to leave work, in the rush hour, to collect their children and return to work.”

While a number of complaints were lodged with the school board, no reply was forthcoming before this going to print.