Tiffin Boys - School Run Service (September 2015)

[speedbird110]

Hi all, I am new to the website, so bear with me!
Our son is starting Tiffin boys in September 2015 and we are looking for a cost-effective taxi-run service, car-pool etc. from the Merton Park area (SW19).

Please could someone advise if they know of such a service provider in our locality?
Thanks.

Why not get the tram to Wimbledon and then train to Kingston? Easy commute and better to promote independent travel from the start I'd think? Trains to Kingston are really frequent and school is 5 mins walk.

Hi there, thanks for the post. We have considered public transport (i.e. the route you have suggested), but feel that using trams/trains for the first year is too big a transition, especially with the weather and long nights in the latter months of the year.
For this reason, we were thinking of using taxis, minibuses etc. for the first year, then transitioning onto public transport.

I Agree with Mertonmama. Getting from Merton Park to Kingston is easy. From Wimbledon bus station, he can get the 131 or the 57 (buses are free!) or walk (or tram) to Wimbledon and get the train to Kingston (you'll have to pay for this). The buses stop right outside the school and the train station isn't far.

My son is in year 7 and has to travel 5 miles to school on a public bus from Morden. I was very nervous the first few days when he went off by himself, but you get used to it and the children enjoy the independence. He travels with a whole bunch of his new friends on the bus.

If he is a child, who never goes on public transport (surprisingly common even in London), I suggest you start using it and teaching him how bus stops work and how to get on and use the oyster card.

Agree with others. Secondary school kids really should get the bus, special needs aside. It's a direct journey so should be straightforward even for a young 11 year old. Go with him a few times between now and the summer, then get him to do the journey himself in the holidays.

Thank you all so much for your input.

GoodArvo: What number bus operates from Morden to outside Tiffin? Is it the K5? Would appreciate your comments, as this may be the best option (Morden is a closer walk than Wimbledon for us!) Also, what time does your son get this bus and how long does it take him door-to-door?

Kind regards.

My son goes to Wilson's School in Wallington, not Tiffins, but it's a similar distance.

Yes (and you could have looked that up yourself on tfl!)

www.tfl.gov.uk/bus/timetable/k5?fromId=490000151C&intervalId=0&selectedDate=mondaytofriday

The K5 is infrequent and takes a very long route "around the houses". I don't think it would be the best way to get to Kingston.

OP let him use public transport.You do realise for sport he will have to make his own way from Tiffin to Hampton Court.