STC News

"Unsuitable" adverts removed from Conwy school buses

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Adverts for a film called Sex Drive have been removed from school buses in Conwy following complaints from a headteacher. (Jan 22 2009)

Llandudno-based Alpine Travel transports approximately 3,500 pupils to and from school every day, and also operates school buses in Denbighshire and Flintshire, andn removed adverts for a 15 certificate film called Sex Drive following complaints by a headteacher. However, the bus company said they'd not received any complaints from parents.

http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2009/01/22/protests-at-unsuitable-adverts-on-conwy-school-bus-55243-22747688/

School coach crash in Scotland

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 00:00:00 -0500

A 17 year old was killed and several students injured when a coach they were travelling into Alton Towers for a end of term school trip crashed on the A73 in Scotland in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The reports to date are raising questions about why the trip went ahead in such weather, why the driver was using that particular route and whether or not seat belts were worn. The Times

Vetting and barring registration halted

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The Government has announced that the proposed vetting and barring registration scheme will be halted. The scheme was due to start on the 26th July, but will be 'remodelled'.

The changes to the scheme do not affect school transport - for driver and escorts with extensive access to vulnerable children enhanced CRB checks will remain in place. However, the extended scheme would have brought parents signing up to car share within scope. A rethink could therefore be good news for those promoting school travel plans and encouraging car sharing for the journey to school.

For more information see: Vetting and Barring Scheme registrration halted: Home Office press notice

School transport remains priority for Wales

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 00:00:00 -0500

First Minister Carwyn Jones has set out his Government's final legislative programme for this Assemby session. The programme includes three new measures, including Safety on Learner Travel. The focus of this will be safety on contracted school transport.

For more information see the Welsh Assembly Government's website.

Aberdeenshire trials safer school bus initiatives July 2009

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500

School bus drivers have beeen attending a workshp to raise awareness of school bus safety including the Bus Stop! campaign.,The workshop is part of a range of initiatives in Aberdeenshire to improve safety for the 12,500 pupils transported. Other initiatives include correct use of school bus signs, improvements to the visibility of school bus signs, a review of pick up and drop off locations and the trials of interactive bus stops developed in Sweden.

For more information: http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/news/release.asp?newsID=1247

Additional driving theory test questions for bus and coach drivers

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The driving theory test for bus and coach drivers is changing from the 4th August 2008. See http://www.dsa.gov.uk/News.asp?id=SXE923-A782EF47, Drivers will be tested on 100 questions and need to answer 85 out of the 100 correctly (compared to 51 out of 60 questions at present). The number of hazard perception clips will also increase. The test will also be split allowing the multiple choice and hazard perception elements to be taken separately. The changes are in preparation for the driver certificate of professional competence (CPC) to be introduced in September, and is aimed at raising the standard of drivers entering the bus and coach industry.

Allocations made to individual authorities for the Education & Inspections Act additional transport

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Below is a copy of the relevant circular and the table of allocations made to each authority, together with a link to the full documents on the DCSF website.

Area_based_grant_allocations.xls

standards_fund_circular_dcsf.doc

http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=12227

Assessing entitlement to free school transport

Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Flow chart that includes the Education & Inspections Act provisions for assessing entitlement to transport ASSESSING_SCHOOL_TRANSPORT_ENTITLEMENT.pdf, Assumes an authority provides the statutory minimum level of transport.

Britain: Protective parents denying children opportunity to cycle: 6th May 2008

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

A Survey for Cycling England has found that only 4% of children are allowed to cycle to school regularly. Parents say that safety is the main reason why they don't allow their children to cycle.

See: http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/families/article3876745.ece

Britain: School transport and seat belts

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Department for Transport is presently considering responses to its consultation on regulations to require children under 14 years of age to use seat belts in buses and coaches where they are fitted. In response to a question by Bob Russell MP, Jim Fitzpatrick confirmed there are no plans for legislation to require that all vehicles used for school transport must have seat belts fitted - that can already be achieved by school authorities for contracted vehicles.

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200708/cmhansrd/cm080428/text/80428w0008.htm

For more information on the consultation: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/closed/consuldirective200320ec/seatbeltconsullet1

Britain: Walk to School Week 19th-23rd May 2008

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Walk to school week is the 19th -23rd May (in Scotland the 12-16th May).

For more information: http://www.walktoschool.org.uk/

CCTV for school buses in South West Wales

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

£626,000 has been awarded by the Welsh Assembly to the South West Wales Transport Consortium (SWWITCH) which includes Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Carmathernshire and Pembrokeshire, to improve school bus safety. It will be used to fund CCTV, a code of practice and guidance for pupils and two officers to oversee the project.

For further information see: http://www.swansea.gov.uk/index.cfm?articleid=24237

Child Safety Week: 23rd - 29th June 2008

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Child Accident Prevention Trust's child safety week is the 23-29th June, aimed at highlighting the need to improve child safety - including road safety.

Information about Child Safety Week is available from the CAPT website, including factsheets and resources that can be downloaded. http://www.capt.org.uk/csweek/

DCSF Consultation on admissions code: June 2008

Sat, 14 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The DCSF is consulting on changes to the school admissions code. The closing date for comments is 2nd October 2008.,The proposals make minor changes to the requirements relating to transport, including strengthening the requirements on authorities to explain how they measure home to school distance, for example from school gate to home, and how home is defined.

For more information and to respond to the consultation: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/

DfT publishes 2007 road casualty statistics

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The main results show that the number of people killed in road accidents has fallen by 7% to under 3,000 in 2007. However, serious child pedal cyclist casualties were up by 8%.

Overall, child casualties fell by 7% and the number of children killed or seriously injured was down 6% on 2006. In total 121 children died on the roads, 28% fewer than in 2006.

For the report see: http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/accidents/casualtiesmr/rcgbmainresults2007

DfT publishes local authority casualty data

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

The DfT (6th November 2008) has published the 2007 casualty data including the number of children killed or seriously injured, child pedestrians and pedal cycle casualties by indivdual local authoity, government office region and district level.

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/statistics/datatablespublications/accidents/casualtieslatables/roadcasualtieslocal07

Downloadable Factsheets

Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

An archive of downloadable PDF documents including STC fact-sheets, reports and presentations.

Go to downloads

Drug dealers target West Country school buses

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

Devon & Cornwall police are reported to be leading operations to tackle drug dealers targetting school buses. The move comes after increasing numbers of complaints, and means that plain closthed officers will be used on some school bus services.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/cornwall/7686503.stm

http://www.thisisnorthdevon.co.uk/regionalnews/DRUG-PUSHERS-SCHOOL-BUSES/article-424074-detail/article.htm

England: Transport select committee

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The House of Commons Transport Select Committee has announced that it will conduct an inquiry into school travel, and specifically will look at the introduction of the Education & Inspections Act 2006, and the impact on home to school transport.

For more information: http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentary_committees/transport_committee/trans07_08pressnotice23.cfm

Free transport extended in Wales from September 2009

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Welsh assembly has voted (30th September) that with effect from September 2009 eligibility for free transport for primary school pupils will be extended to all those living more than 2 miles from school, rather than the current 3 miles for 8-11 year olds.

http://new.wales.gov.uk/news/latest/080930schooltransport/?lang=en

The Measure also includes a duty to promote access to Welsh language schools. The walking distance for secondary pupils remains 3 miles. However, there has been some concern that the proposals did not guarantee the right of transport to faith schools - leaving this to the discretion of individual authorities.

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/10/01/faith-school-transport-plea-denied-91466-21940096/

French contain school transport costs with a four day week

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Ten million French school children are returning to school, to a four day week. Primary and secondary pupils will no longer be required to attend classes on Saturday and, as most schools are closed on Wednesdays, will have a four day week. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4663264.ece

The change has been welcomed by many parents. A proposal by the Education Minister to have classes on Wednesday morning instead was resisted by local councils due to the additional costs of catering and transport. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/1564587/French-school-revolution-creates-four-day-week.html

French train hits school bus, 7 killed

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

June 2nd 2008: Seven children were killed when a train collided with a school bus at a level crossing.,Three people were also seriously hurt and 24 suffered less serious injuries in the accident that occurred just before 2:00 p.m. (1200 GMT) when a regional train struck the bus at a level crossing at Mesinges, near the town of Allinges in the Haute Savoie area near the border with Switzerland.

http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL02565822

Greater Manchester - 120 additional yellow school buses

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Secretary of State for Transport Ruth Kelly has announced this week (9th June 2008) that Greater Manchester's TIF bid for congestion charging combined with public transport improvements has been given the go ahead.

The £2.8 bn package includes £1.5 bn funding from the DfT, over and above existing funding for Greater Manchester. The proposals for public transport include up to 22 miles of new Metrolink lines, improvements to local trains, buses, park and ride, ticketing and interchanges.

For more information:

http://www.gmfuturetransport.co.uk/

http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/community/s/1053322_the_ccharge_explained

Ireland - concerns over school bus safety

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Independent in Ireland has reported that more than 2,000 written warnings have been issued by transport inspectors in the past four years over mechanical faults and other deficiences in the country's aged school bus fleet.

The school transport inspections are part of a three-tiered system of inspection which includes random maintenance checks and statutory road worthiness checks. However, the Independent says there are concerns about the frequency of checks and the standards of school buses.

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/fresh-alert-over-school-bus-safety-1422904.html

Ireland: Bus Eireann school transport summer safety road show

Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Bus Eireann is to take customised school buses to agricultural shows around Ireland to promote bus safety,The shows will run until September and promote seat belt wearing and safety messages to improve school bus safety.

For more information see: http://www.buseireann.ie/news.php?id=624&month=May

Kent County Council extends Freedom Pass

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

KCC is extending its freedom pass to cover Tonbridge & Malling, Shepway, Dover and Maidstone Districts from June 2008.

Following its successful pilot in three areas of the County, KCC is extending its Freedom pass. The pass costs an initial £50 and then young people in years 7-11 t travel on participating public transport services free of charge.

For more information see: http://www.kent.gov.uk/transport-and-streets/public-transport/public-transport-in-kent/kent-freedom-pass.htm

Lancaster City considers yellow buses 2nd May 2008

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Lancaster City Councillors have called for an investigation into the use of yellow buses. A pilot scheme would involve five vehicles at a cost of £36,666 per vehicle per year.

http://www.lep.co.uk/travel/Yellow-bus-plan-for-city.4045951.jp

London Councils publish proposals for 14-19 arrangements

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

The complexity of the travel to learn patterns of this age group are one of the main reason the London Councils have set up a regional planning group to oversee the transfer of education for 16-19 year old to local authorities.

The report produced in response to the DCSF's request for local authorities proposed plans for 14-19 following changes to the LSC, proposes a London wide rather than sub regional approach, with individual authorities having formal conversations with the neighbouring boroughs and those where there is significant cross border travel to learn. The data included in the report shows the complexity of current travel to learn with in Borough take up of provision ranging from 23%-77%, with almos three quarters of young people in some Borough travelling out of their own authority to education/learning.

http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/children/education14to19/Londonproposals16to19education.htm

Merseyside: proposal for free bus travel

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Merseyside is proposing to launch free bus travel for school children, reports the Liverpool Daily Post (22nd May 2008).,The proposals would see all Merseyside pupils given term-time bus passes valid 7.30am to 5.30pm on weekdays. Merseytravel is hoping the Department for Transport will meet the cost.

http://www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/liverpool-news/regional-news/2008/05/22/merseyside-poised-to-launch-free-bus-travel-for-schoolchildren-64375-20946486/

Ministers planning to launch inquiry into behaviour on school transport

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

According to the Telegraph (13th June 2008) Ministers are concerned that despite additional powers under the Education & Inspections Act schools are still unwilling to address discipline issues on school transport, and therefore likely to ask Sir Alan Steer to review the issue. However, the DCSF confirmed today (15th July) that this not the case.

For link to the Telegraph article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2125893/Inquiry-on-bad-behaviour-on-school-buses.html

New road safety strategy consultation published by DfT (April 21st 2009)

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The Government has published A safer way its consultation on making Britain's roads the safest in the world. The proposed targets include a reduction in total road deaths and serious injuries to children and young people (aged 0-17) by at least 50% against a baseline of the 2004-8 average by 2020. ,To read the full consultation and to respond to the consultation (closing date 14th July 2009)

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roadsafety/roadsafetyconsultation/

North Yorkshire - bus escort indecently assaulted boy.

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

A man aged 70 employed as an escort on a bus transporting children to a special needs school pleaded guilty at Harrogate magistrates' court to indecently assaulting one pupil on three occasions between January 24th and February 21st, reports Yorkshire Post 2nd May 2008

North Yorkshire said they had strict procedures in place for safeguarding children in its care, and that staff were subject to rigorous scrutiny. In this case no previous criminal activity was discovered and they had no reason to believe that this individual posed a threat to any child.

http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/localnews/Schoolchildren39s-bus-escort-70-indecently.4045413.jp

Northampton - five school buses taken off the road following police checks

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Northampton Chronicle (21st July 2008) reported that of the 35 buses checked by VOSA and NCC five were immediately stopped from continuing journeys due to irregularities with the emergency exits.

http://www.northamptonchron.co.uk/news/Five-school-buses-ordered-off.4308700.jp

The checks were on transport to Moulton, Wollaston, Prince William, and Montsaye secondary schools, involving officers from the Casualty Reduction Partnership, the County Council and the Vehicle Operating Standards Agency.

October is walk to school month

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The theme of this year's walk to school month, organised by Living Streets, is health - targetting the growing problem of childhood obesity - and entitled Power Up.

For more information see: http://www.walktoschool.org.uk/content/walk_to_school_month_2008.php

The UK's Walk to School Month is part of International Walk to School Month with children in countries all over the world taking part in events and activities throughout October. In 2007, 10 million children from 42 countries walked to school during Walk to School Month.

One day seminar - child safety in wheelchairs in vehicles: 22nd July 2008

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

DfT/TRL are holding a free one day seminar on the 22nd July 2008, to discuss and publicise research findings.

The seminar will be at the National Motorcycle Museum near Birmingham.

Summary_of_the_project.PDF

Details of the day and a registration form: For more information contact: donald.macdonald@dft.gsi.gov.uk

Pay for bus to class, faith schools told.

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Thousands of pupils are beings forced to pay for travel to school. The Daily Telegraph (24th May 2008) reports that one in six authorities has introduced charges in recent years or are planning to. Many people, it claims, believe the Government has driven local authorities to start charging parents for transport to faith schools, with the Education and Inspections Act 2006 now requiring councils to offer free school bus trips to more poor pupils.

Article: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2017001/Pay-for-bus-to-class,-faith-school-parents-told.html

Police patrols for journey home from school

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Home Office has announced an additional £3million funding, part of which will be used to provide police patrols on the routes to and from school, to ensure that young people feel safer walking home from school.

The money will be allocated to the 10 tackling knives action programme areas - London, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, West Midlands, Essex, Lancashire, South Wales, Thames Valley, W Yorkshire, and Nottingham. In addition it will also provide support for the safer schools partnerships.

For further information see the Home Office press notice: http://press.homeoffice.gov.uk/press-releases/extra-police-patrols

Post 16 transport fees scrapped: Northumberland

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Journal (28th June 2008) has reported that the £360 charge for post 16 transport will be scrapped from September, five years after it was introduced.

The authority has estimated that it could double the number of post 16 student using school buses from 800 to 1,700 and cost the authority an additional £792,000 per year.

See the Journal article at: http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/tm_headline=school-transport-fees-are-scrapped&method=full&objectid=21165816&siteid=61634-name_page.html

Raising expectations - enabling the system to deliver

Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The joint DCSF DIUS consultation closes on the 9th June 2008.,The consultation document sets out the Government's proposals to move responsiblity for planning and funding of education for 14-19 year olds from the Learning and Skills Council to local education authorities.For more information, a copy of the consultation document (including a summary) and a pro forma response are available on the DCSF website: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/consultations/conDetails.cfm?consultationId=1520

Road safety week: 10-16th November 2008

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

This week is Road Safety Week organised by Brake. This year's theme is family safety.

For more information see brake's website: http://www.roadsafetyweek.org/

Satellite tracking for school buses in North Wales (April 2009)

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Denbighshire Coounty Council has announced the launch of a satellite tracking system and smard card scheme to track pupils' attendance and pin point bad behaviour on school buses.,The pilot which is being supported by the Welsh Assembly Government is designed to reduce anti social behaviour on buses, and will run for a year.

For more information: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8009624.stm

School journey casualty statistics 2007

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The school journey casualty statistics for 2007 show an increase in the total number of child casualties on the journey to and from school, largely due to the rise in pedal cyclist casualties. Bus and coach casualties remain unchanged overall, with no fatalities in 2007 (or 2006), but a fall in the number of serious injuries.

SCHOOL_JOURNEY_CASUALTIES_2007.pdf

Overall, the number of children killed and injured on the school journey is considerably lower than a decade earlier, but at 4,411 is an increase on the 4,385 casualties in 2006. The school journey now accounts for 15% of all child road casulaties, but 9% of child road accident fatalities.

Scotland: Consultation on the handling of rural school closures.

Fri, 02 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

One million people live in rural areas of Scotland, and the population is increasing in these areas - but aging.

The Scottish Executive is consulting on how to handle rural school closures and is seeking views on what should be taken into account. Hopefully the impact on school transport for local authorities, as well as the impact on school travel for pupils and parents! Consultation closes 19th September 2008.

The consultation document and online forms are available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2008/04/25131457/0

Scotland: School bus crash 1st May 2008

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Driver and passenger injured. A driver and a passenger suffered minor injuries when a bus carrying pupils to Dunfermline High School collided with two lorries.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/edinburgh_and_east/7377377.stm

Stagecoach industrial action affects school bus services

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0600

School bus services in the north of Scotland were affected by strike action yesterday. Highland Council reported about 1,600 pupils affected, with a further 4,000 pupils in Aberdeenshire affected.

The action by Stagecoach is over pay, with further action planned for November the 21st and 24th.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/north_east/7720091.stm

http://www.stagecoachbus.com/bluebird/news_5715.html

Staying on until 17......England's new school leaving age

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

This year's new starters at secondary schools in England are expected to be the first cohort to have to stay on at school until the age of 17. Legislation is going through parliament raising the age to 17 in 2013, and 18 in 2015. In addition, this week sees the first students starting diplomas. But as yet there seems to be little discussion of the transport impact of either change.

There are about 600,000 16 year olds - which at would mean the expected additional transport costs of increasing the leaving age by just one year would be about £80 million at today's prices.To see the Number 10 announcement - go to: http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page16724

http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2008/sep/03/secondaryschools.1419education

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7595155.stm

Swedish bus stop innovation being piloted in Scotland (April 2009)

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 00:00:00 -0500

A Swedish scheme where by children carrying transmitters, activate bus stop signs to warn other drivers that there are children nearby and to slow down, is being tested in Scotland, following lobbying by parents. ,The six-month trial in north east Scotland was announced as part of a range of measures by Scottish Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson at a meeting of the Scottish Parliament's Petitions Committee at Fraserburgh Academy last Monday.For more information on the Scottish pilot see: http://www.banffshire-journal.co.uk/news/fullstory.php/aid/3969/New_trials_in_school_bus_safety.html

Report on the Swedish pilot: http://www.nordicroads.com/website/index.asp?pageID=212

Switzerland supports safe school transport in rural areas of Latvia - August 2009

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 00:00:00 -0500

About 9,000 children in Latvia will be provided with safe school transport funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation.

The Swiss contribution of about £9 million will provide more than 100 school buses to be used in 60 communities, providing school tranpsort in areas that would otherwise not be able to afford transport. The project is part of the country's contribution to the enlargement of the European Union.

For more information: http://www.sdc.org.np/en/Home/News/News_Detail?itemID=181362

TfL reports increase in walking, cycling and use of public transport for the school run in London

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0500

With the introduction of free travel for young people and travel plan initiatives. TfL says that there are now 3.3 million fewer school run car journeys in the capital each year, compared to 2005.

See: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/media/newscentre/9524.aspx

Around a third of all journeys made between 08:00 and 09:00 on a school day in London are thought to be education related, and 35 per cent of school pupils in London travel to school by car.

The back to school chaos......RCT, Wales

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Schools are starting to go back for the new school year and inevitably there is a school bus chaos story! This year the authority to hit the headlines is Rhondda Cynon Taff in South Wales, apologising after retendering of 600 routes for 12,000 pupils resulted in many parents and pupils not having information about new arrangements.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/7592924.stm

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2008/09/02/new-term-bus-confusion-branded-ridiculous-91466-21656060/

The authority has updated its website to provide advice on school transport routes and arrangements for pupils:

http://www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk/stellent/groups/public/documents/hcst/content.hcst?lang=en&textonly=false&dDocName=021259

UK: Yellow buses

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

FirstGroup plc has set up a Yellow School Bus Commission, chaired by the Rt. Hon. David Blunkett and is reviewing the yellow school bus example of the US and similar initiatives already in the UK provided by First and other bus operators.

A report of the Commission's findings will be published in Summer 2008. http://www.firstgroup.com/YSB/index.html

Wales: Draft Learner Travel (Wales) Measure

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Welsh Assembly's Enterprise and Learning Committee has completed its scrutiny inquiry on the Draft Learner Travel (Wales) Measure and presented its findings to the Deputy First Minister.,The National Assembly has the scope to legislate for travel to school and for post 16 learners but cannot legislate for matters that are the responsibility of the Department for Transport e.g. vehicle standards, licensing, inspection etc. It is proposing, among other things, a two mile walking distance for primary age pupils and three miles for secondary age pupils, a code of conduct for school transport, and local authority powers to vary school session times.

For more information www.assemblywales.org

Wales: School bus crash 2nd May 2008

Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Four pupils receive minor injuries. Four pupils were taken to hospital with minor injuries after their bus was involved in a collision on the way to Llanidloes High School.

http://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/School-bus-involved-in-head.4046555.jp

Wales: learner travel measure - to provide free transport to faith schools

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The Learners' Travel Measure is currently in its second stage in the Welsh Assembly, and the latest amendments propose to give children free transport to faith schools (over walking distance) but the committee has not backed similar proposals to strengthen the right to free travel to Welsh medium schools. A final vote on the Assembly's government's plans for school travel is expected in the Autumn.

For more information see:

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/2008/06/20/faith-school-buses-victory-55578-21109331/

http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/politics-news/2008/06/11/church-fears-children-will-not-get-free-transport-to-faith-schools-91466-21054458/

For progress on the Measure: http://www.assemblywales.org/bus-home/bus-legislation/bus-leg-measures/bus-committees-third-ltm-home.htm

West Midlands' school buses get wifi

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0600

Publictechnology.net (12 Jan 2009) - the Green Bus company and Icomera AB are providing free internet access for students and real time vehicle tracking on 23 routes across the West Midlands. The Wi-Fi service, which is free to all bus pass holders, has reported been popular with students since its launch late last year http://www.publictechnology.net/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=18533

Yellow bus commission reports - 12th September 2008

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 -0500

First's yellow bus commission report has been published - and recommends the provision of yellow school bus services for primary school pupils who live more than one mile from school. The additional costs of more than £150m p.a., they argue, would be offset by the savings in casualties, congestion and other benefits.

The full report and recommendations are available from First's website: http://www.ysbcommission.com//reports/index.html

Zip - new name for Oyster for 11-15 year olds in London

Tue, 03 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Zip is the new name for Oyster photocards for young people in London. All 11-15 year olds from 1st June 2008 must carry an Oyster photocard with them to travel free on buses and trams, and touch in as they board a bus or at the tram stop before boarding a tram. If they do not, they will be liable for a penalty fare.,The changes are to clarify the free travel privilege and bring together the different young persons' free travel schemes under one recognised branded card. It is also expected to make it easier to catch those few individuals who seek to abuse the scheme.

For more information: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tickets/faresandtickets/1063.aspx

Wheelchair passports on their way

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The BSI recently issued a draft Publicly Availably Specification for wheelchair passports, which will include key information for transport providers, drivers and escorts to ensure safe transport of wheelchair users. A PAS is a fast track standard, and after two years it will be reviewed to determine whether it should be taken forward to become a formal British Standard.

If you are involved in transporting chidlren with special needs, you can register you interest in knowing more about the scheme: BSI wheelchair passport

Guidance on school behaviour and attendance partnerships

Thu, 20 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500

Many authorities have concerns about managing behaviour on school transport. The DCSF has recently published guidance regarding the school behaviour and attendance partnerships that are now required. The guidance empahsises the need for partnership working, but unfortunately doesn't include any reference to transport. However, school transport staff may be interested in knowing more about these partnerships and ensuring that the approach for managing behaviour on school transport is consistent, and that they are consulted.

Copies of the guidance are available from: DCSF Behaviour and Attendance Partnership Guidance

Scotland: National Travel Survey results published

Thu, 27 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500

The National Travel Survey results for Scotland have been published. Young people in Scotland are travelling further each year, but making a similar number of trips suggesting that trips are getting longer since the mid 1990s.

The results also highlight the importance of the school journey with 29% of all children's trips being to and from education.

However, the journey to school continues to show falls in walking, and rising car use since the mid 1990s, but with bus use continuing to account for about 23% of school journeys. The full results are available from: Scotland: NTS 2007/8

60% of local authorities have no safer travel policy

Fri, 28 May 2010 00:00:00 -0500

A charity 4Children has surveyed 67 local auuthorities and found that 60% have no safer travel policy, more than half do not have a safer travel team.

The survey was undertaken a year on from the publication of the Government's guidance on tackling bullying on the schol journey. DCSF Safe from bullying on journeys

For more information about the survey: 4Children

Welsh Guidance on Managing Special Needs Transport

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The WLGA/WAG has published guidance on Managing Special Education Transport. It is aimed at local authorities in Wales, but is equally applicable to any department managing special needs transport, and includes checklists and self evaluation questions for authorities.

The guidance can be downloaded free of charge at:

Managing Special education transport guidance