Yellow school buses making 'enormous impact' in Rochdale

Date published: 24 November 2005

Rochdale's yellow school bus scheme, which started running at Falinge Park High School in September this year, is already proving a big hit with pupils and parents and cutting congestion, according to a report submitted to the county's transport bosses.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, which funds the service, welcomed news that the two vehicles will take nearly 15,000 car miles off the town's roads each year.

Compared to use of the bus services it replaced, the yellow school bus scheme has led to an overall increase of 41 pupils signing up to the programme.

Councillor Allen Brett, Leader of Rochdale Council and Authority spokesperson for the town, welcomed the news: "This report shows that the yellow school bus scheme is having an enormous impact on the way in which many pupils are travelling to and from school.

"By improving the quality of school services, we have attracted more pupils onto the buses and are helping to ease traffic congestion caused by the school run. Almost 15,000 miles will be taken off the town's roads by just one yellow school bus scheme. It's not hard to imagine the benefits that more of these schemes will have for the environment - especially as all the yellow school bus vehicles are fitted with particulate traps to cut down emissions.

"Across the county we are also finding that the services - using buses fitted with CCTV systems - have markedly reduced instances of anti-social behaviour. Pupils have their own designated seat and having regular drivers means that they have been able to build up a good working relationship with pupils."

Pick-up and drop-off points have been arranged close to pupils' homes, with the yellow school bus routes designed to provide maximum coverage for the locality.

All yellow school bus drivers undergo thorough safety checks and an extensive training programme run by GMPTE, which includes training in customer care, first aid, disability awareness, health and safety issues and conflict avoidance. Pupils and their parents are also required to sign up to a code of conduct.