A SCHOOL bus company in Essex has issued an apology for the “distress and anxiety” it caused following a decision to force parents to pay increased upfront costs.

Many parents said they were shocked by Flagfinders’ decision to ask for £366 upfront per child – a lump sum many say they could not afford.

Now a monthly direct debit option is to be reinstated, the company has said.

There had been considerable anger from parents across north Essex reliant on bus company Flagfinders following a decision from the company to increase prices and change the bus pass booking system.

Flagfinders operate nine school routes servicing Notley High School in Braintree, Honeywood School in Coggeshall, Helena Romanes School in Dunmow, Rickstones Academy in Witham, and Ramsey School and Hedingham School, in Halstead and Sible Hedingham respectively.

Parents had said the new service is now over-complicated and difficult to navigate.

One parent, who did not wish to be named, explained the cost for her two daughters’ passes from Braintree Marks Farm to Helena Romanes has increased by £100 a year per child to £1,100 per child.

That rise will remain but the monthly direct debit option has been reinstated.

A message from Flagfinders said: “We are sorry for the distress and anxiety that we may have caused you all in regards to this year’s bus pass applications.

“Further to feedback received, we are developing the option for parents to pay via a monthly direct debit as this option should not have been removed in the first place.

“This will be via nine monthly instalments, with the first being taken at the start of September.”

While the price rise will still cause some pressure this is a positive result, James Cleverly, MP for Braintree, has said.

He said: “I know a lot of families were very uncomfortable with the changes to the prices and the payment structure to school transport.

“I contacted Flagfinders and I made it clear I was unhappy with the decision they made.

“I am very pleased that they have reinstated the monthly payment option which will give a lot of reassurance to parents ahead of this academic year.”