Newsletter and fares for summer term

Here is the text of latest newsletter:

Frome Independent School Travel (FIST)
Newsletter 14th April 2010

Passenger numbers

At the time of writing we have a total of 75 passengers in all, (51 Frome/24 MSN) including 6 paying a reduced fare to use the MSN bus for journeys within the city of Bath. So we still have spare capacity on each bus. If anyone knows someone who could be interested in a place, please ask them to get in touch.

Fares

We still have far too many people not paying on time. Please make sure you pay promptly at the start of term.

The fare for Summer term will be £305 per child, made up of £175 for the first half of term, £130 for the second half. As in previous years, children in years 11 and 13 do not have to pay for the second half because of study leave.
For the small number of children using the MSN bus to travel within Bath, boarding at Bradley Road, North Road or at KES, the fare for Summer term will be £160, (£90 for those in years 11 and 13) to be paid in one instalment.

To ensure that we get in our funds on time and with the minimum fuss, parents with only one child please pay with a single cheque for £305. Those with two or more children can send either one cheque for the full amount; or two cheques, the first for £175 dated 19th April; the other for £130 dated 7th June.

Please send your cheques to: Martin Harris, Lilac Cottage, Dunkerton, Bath, BA2 8BG by 19th April latest. Please pay on time; it is a waste of our time to have to chase late payers. If you would like to pay electronically/by online banking, please contact Martin at harrism@uk.innovation-group.com for details.

Cheques should be made payable to FIST, with the following on the reverse:
• child’s name
• your e-mail address
• bus stop


Giving notice. Parents are reminded that as FIST has to budget ahead and set fees for the term according to the numbers travelling. We run on a very tight budget and therefore require a half term's notice or payment in lieu should parents decide to remove their children from the run.

Term/bus operating dates.

RHS. Tues 20 Apr – Thu 27 May; Mon 7 Jun – Thu 15 July.
KES. Mon 19 Apr – Friday 28 May; Mon 7 Jun – Weds 14 July.

• Both buses will operate on days when either school is effectively closed, please check whether buses will be run between KES and RHS on those days.


Contacting JVA.

Committee members don’t always have up to date operational information on whether the bus is running late, traffic news and so on; nor can we help with lost property. If you have any queries relating to these matters please contact JVA directly in the first instance on 01761 433366 or 07966 282467. Committee members will do their best to take up unresolved issues and complaints.



Code of Conduct / Behaviour. Please remind children:
• Behave sensibly at bus stops - do not rush forward, push or shove when bus arrives.
• Never cross immediately in front or behind a bus
• Older pupils are asked to encourage younger pupils to stay well clear of the bus when waiting and on getting off
• Follow any instruction your bus driver gives you at any stage of the journey
• Remain seated with seat belt fastened at all times when the bus is in motion
• Smoking and eating are not allowed on the bus
• Please take your litter home with you
• Do not misbehave – bad behaviour could distract the driver and cause an accident
• Bad behaviour could lead to exclusion from the bus without refund

Please remind your children that disruptive behaviour distracts the driver and is dangerous.