Local MPs and the Ripley Valley community are demanding immediate improvements to public school bus services as concerns grow over overcrowding, safety risks and lengthy wait times impacting students’ education.
With more than 2000 students enrolled at Ripley Valley State Primary and Secondary Schools, critics say existing bus services are struggling to meet demand.
They say overcrowding has become routine, with students packed tightly against bus doors, and in many cases, left behind due to a lack of available seats.
Some students are said to face wait times of up to 90 minutes after school, leading to serious safety concerns and disrupting their ability to focus on learning.
Teachers and support staff, already stretched with their responsibilities, are now being required to supervise students long after school hours, adding to their workload and placing additional strain on resources.
State Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum and State Member for Ipswich Jennifer Howard have joined forces with the Ripley Valley State Secondary College P&C and the broader school community to call for urgent action.
They have launched a petition urging the State Government and transport authorities to address the crisis by providing additional bus services.
Mr McCallum said the current situation was unacceptable.
“When students living less than five kilometres from school are taking over two hours to get home, something is very wrong,” he said.
“This just isn’t on. We urgently need more buses.
“Calls for extra services have so far fallen on deaf ears, so we’re taking this fight from the bus company all the way to the Transport Minister. People can sign our petition so we can get this fixed.”
Ms Howard echoed these concerns, citing the serious safety risks posed by overcrowding and delays.
“Ripley Valley is one of the fastest-growing communities in the state, and we need bus services to expand alongside our student population,” she said.
Ripley Valley State Secondary College P&C President Sarah Yarham said the community had been advocating for improvements, but no action had been taken.
“With new housing estates going up in our catchment, student numbers keep rising, and the lack of buses is putting our kids’ safety at risk.”
The petition aims to push for immediate action to ensure no student is left stranded and that Ripley Valley’s transport infrastructure keeps pace with its rapid growth.
