Greater Manchester’s Yellow School Bus services are reducing congestion, improving pupil behaviour and boosting school attendance, according to the latest report heard by transport bosses. Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority (GMPTA) now funds the services to 22 schools, providing safe and reliable journeys for more than 2000 pupils. Councillors heard that the Yellow School Buses have made a major impact on the school run, taking more than 265,000 car-miles off the road this school year. And antisocial behaviour on school buses has reduced by 75% at schools that have the yellow buses. Schools have also praised the services for improving attendance records.

One Yellow School Bus currently runs to Bury Church school and the scheme has proved a hit with pupils and parents. Bury spokesperson for GMPTA, Councillor Andrew Garner, said: “Yellow School Buses are a safe and reliable way of getting pupils to and from school. “We already know from anecdotal evidence that they are popular, but this report really highlights the benefits of the service. “The services are really helping to tackle local congestion caused by the school run, as well as offering a safe travelling environment for pupils. I’m sure other road users appreciate the services too as they take so many cars off the road each morning and afternoon. “We have bid for government funding to buy more Yellow School Buses and reports like this really illustrate what a strong case there is for expanding the service.” Pupils using Yellow School Bus services have to sign up to a code of conduct, use the same seatbelt-equipped seats every day and have regular drivers to help build a good working relationship. All Yellow School Bus drivers have undergone an extensive training programme run by GMPTE, which includes training in customer care, first aid, disability awareness, health and safety issues and conflict avoidance. A major expansion of Yellow School Bus services could be introduced at schools across Greater Manchester over the next four years if the bid to the government’s Transport Innovation Fund is successful. Two more vehicles are due to be introduced at schools in Wigan early in the new year, taking the number of Yellow School Buses in Greater Manchester to 36, running to 22 schools. To find out more about Yellow School Buses and for a full list of services visit www.yellowschoolbus.info