ATL

Calls to introduce US-style school buses

12 September 2008

Car journeys could be cut by millions with the introduction of US-style school buses, it has been suggested.

Following a review into their effectiveness, the Yellow School Bus Commission has argued that these could 'revolutionise' the school run.

A safe journey to school, congestion and pollution reduction and improving school attendance times are among the benefits of the scheme cited by the commission.

Bus travel would cost £1 or £2 a day for each child, apart from those entitled to free school meals, but could save up to £92 million a year in petrol expenses for parents, the report says.

It suggests that those who live close enough to school should walk or cycle, while all other primary school children should have access to a school bus.

Children at secondary schools without adequate public transport access should also be able to use the service, the review notes.

Under recently revised laws, primary school pupils from low income families who are aged between eight and 11 and live more than two miles away from their nearest suitable school are entitle to free school transport.