St Paul's FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

QHow do you guarantee a seat?
ABy asking parents to book we can then ascertain how many will be travelling on each route and therefore supply a bus of the correct size.
QWill the timetables change?
AWe had to start somewhere to build up a picture of where the students will board the bus and once we have the information we can then revise the timetables if required.
QHow will we recognise the Bus?
AIt will have the route shown at the front either on a board or display so that you know the bus is the one to catch. You can help by holding out your hand and if the bus is serving St Pauls Catholic College it will stop. Remember we are a local company so you may see more than one bus pass your stop, if the bus does not stop then it is going on to another customer.
QIf I lose my weekly ticket what happens?
AWe will allow you to travel on the day in the anticipation that you will be able to find your ticket if not then you need to purchase a replacement weekly ticket for £2.00. If you have purchased a Seasonal or Term ticket through the office then you will need to contact our office on 01403 711238.
QWhat are the fares?
A
SingleReturnWeeklyHalf TermTermYearly
STP1 £1.50 £2.70 £11.50 £72.50 £145.00 £435.00
STP2
STP3
STP4£3.00£5.00£22.50£142.50£285.00£850.00
STP5 #1£1.50£2.50£10.00Varies per term.

Please contact office.
STP5 #2£2.70£3.20£13.50

Please note:
  • Half-term, term and yearly tickets must be bought before the start of term e.g. by noon on Wed 5th Sept 2012.
  • For STP5 there are two sets of prices depending on pickup:
    1. Cowfold & Bolney
    2. Partridge Green, Shermanbury & Henfield
QCan I bring my friends home with me for tea?
AYes, that is why we offer a mix of fares to cater for those parties.
QIf the bus is late, what do we do?
AWait at the stop we will always send a bus out to do the route, if it is delayed through problems beyond our control we will still get to the stops eventually so stay at the stop and do not wander off home or go to the shops. If you are not sure you can always ring our office to check what is happening.
QIf I want to be dropped off at my friend's house on the route home in the country will you do that?
AIf you bring a note from your parent or guardian to give to the driver. We do not like dropping you off in the middle of nowhere as Mum would be worried and that way we both know she will not mind if you go to friends.
QWill the bus have belts for us to use?
AYes, we need you to use these when you are travelling for your safety.
QWhat happens if I am bullied on the bus?
AYou need to let us know so that we can take action, perhaps you can get your parent or guardian to talk to us as well in confidence.
QIf I leave my games kit behind on the bus, what should I do?
APlease fill out our online Lost Property form. Or send an email to stpaulsbus@heritagecoaches.co.uk with as much information as possible, i.e. where you were sat, colour of kit and name, route number and contact phone number or email contact. Please bear in mind that the bus may not be back for a period of time after you have arrived home.
QDo you stop at other bus stops?
AIf it is on one of our routes and it is safe to do so we will operate a "hail and ride" service. Please make a clear hand signal to the driver that you wish to catch the bus.
QWill you be running a late bus?
AFor timetables STP1 to STP3: we are looking at considering running a late bus leaving the school 16:30. We are currently looking at £2.00 per journey for a route that would provisionally serve Cuckfield and a few main points in Haywards Heath. If you could please let us know your thoughts on this and whether you would use the service on our email address: stpaulsbus@heritagecoaches.co.uk
For timetable STP4: we are unfortunately not able to offer a late bus due to distance and time constraints.
QIf the school closes early will the bus come at a different time?
AYes we run the bus in conjunction with the school day, if you finish early the bus will be there earlier.
QAt Easter or on the last day of term the school only have a half day, will the bus turn up?
AYes we run the bus in conjunction with the school day, if you finish early the bus will be there earlier.
QDo you have Passenger Insurance?
AYes we have Fully Comprehensive Coach Insurance, £10,000,000 Employer and Public Liability Insurance and Unlimited Passenger Liability Insurance.
QAre we entitled to Free Travel?
AAs a general rule if you are entitled to free school meals (there are other criteria that the council considers) then you will be eligible to have a Free Bus Pass. In the first instance, still fill out our booking form as you won't be required to pay straight away anyway and then see the following link via West Sussex County Council:

    www.westsussex.gov.uk/.../frequenly_asked_questions

From here they will confirm your eligibility and arrange the pass which will be sent out to you accordingly.