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In several Berlin districts, a shift has been observed in the school transportation services for swimming lessons, with some districts cancelling the shuttle buses. The criteria for these cancellations vary across districts, as a mother in Neukoelln expressed her concern that longer journeys could lead to more absences from lessons.
Heike Schmitt-Schmelz, councillor for Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf, considers a two-kilometer walk a reasonable distance for children to travel to swimming lessons. However, in Neukoelln, the cancellation of the shuttle service has led to longer journeys for the children. A petition has been started in Neukoelln, calling for a "secure, free transport for all children to swimming lessons."
In Pankow, a swimming bus is provided for primary schools if the walking distance exceeds two kilometers or the journey by public transport, including walking, takes more than 30 minutes and involves more than one transfer. Similarly, in Steglitz-Zehlendorf, a swimming bus can be provided if the distance between the school location and the swimming pool is more than 2.9 kilometers.
Other districts, such as Spandau and Tempelhof-Schoeneberg, are continuing to run the swimming bus. Mitte allows schools to apply for a swimming bus if the journey by public transport takes more than approximately 25 minutes and involves more than one transfer.
It is important to note that the elimination of transport costs for swimming lessons would save 152,000 euros per year in Neukoelln. However, only for four special schools and hardship cases will transport be maintained in Neukoelln.
Green Party councillor Klara Schedlich has made a parliamentary inquiry regarding the cancellation of the swimming bus in various districts. The specific reasons behind these cancellations remain unclear, as the search results do not provide direct information on this matter.
Typical reasons for cancelling transportation services like shuttle buses to swimming lessons might include budget constraints, staffing shortages, changes in health and safety protocols, or shifts in policy regarding extracurricular activities. For precise, current reasons and criteria relevant to Berlin districts and their shuttle cancellations for swimming lessons, contacting the local education authority or school district offices would provide authoritative information.
Education and self-development are at the heart of the discussion surrounding swimming lesson transportation in Berlin. Despite some districts cancelling shuttle buses due to varying criteria, a call for "secure, free transport for all children to swimming lessons" has been initiated in Neukoelln, where longer journeys have resulted from the cancellation.
