Carey Baptist Grammar School to Cut Bus Services at Donvale Campus
A planning permit requirement from 1990 mandates the school to operate buses, but declining use has prompted a push to scrap the rule.
Donvale Campus to End Bus Routes
Carey Baptist Grammar School has discontinued three bus services for its Donvale junior campus. The school cited declining passenger numbers and financial viability as the reasons for the decision.
The services had operated under a planning permit issued in 1990, which requires the school to run buses. The school is now seeking to amend this permit to remove the requirement entirely.
Traffic Concerns Raised by Residents and Parents
Local residents and parents have voiced strong objections. They warn that cutting the buses will lead to increased traffic congestion and safety issues in the surrounding cul-de-sac and on Springvale Road.
The Manningham Council received over a dozen formal objections to the permit amendment. A meeting between objectors and the school was held on April 27, 2026.
The Access Point Problem
The Donvale campus has only one access point: Era Court, a short cul-de-sac that serves just 15 homes.
Traffic congestion during school pick-up and drop-off times has been a long-standing issue. Some residents report significant difficulty exiting the street during peak school hours.
Voices from the Community
"At peak times, it can take 15 minutes to turn onto Springvale Road from Era Court."
Residents noted that the bus service helped manage traffic flow, as drivers tend to yield to buses but not to cars. A retired traffic engineer described the current situation as a "disaster."
The School's Position
Carey Grammar provided data showing that last year, the after-school bus was used by up to 28 students, while the morning bus carried just 7 students.
The school argues that the bus service requirement should be tied to traffic movements rather than student numbers, suggesting the permit condition is outdated.
Future of the Donvale Campus
The school has announced it will close the Donvale campus in 2027. Primary students will be moved to the Kew campus by 2028. Current enrollment stands at about 230 students, a figure forecast to drop below 200.
In related developments, Carey recently purchased a neighboring property in Kew from Preshil.
Next Steps
The Manningham Council stated it would assess the school's application in accordance with planning scheme requirements.