Understand
Monmouthshire bus drivers urged to halt journeys if students do not sit down
Overview
A Monmouthshire councillor has suggested that bus drivers should refuse to continue journeys if schoolchildren fail to take available seats, following concerns about overcrowding on public bus services. The introduction of a £1 single bus fare for 16 to 21-year-olds in Wales has increased passenger numbers, leading to congested public buses where some pupils choose to stand rather than use empty seats.
Key points
- Scrutiny committee chairman Alistair Neill suggested bus drivers should refuse to move if pupils do not sit in available seats.
- Public bus passenger numbers have increased following the introduction of a £1 single fare for 16 to 21-year-olds in Wales in September.
- Monmouthshire council chief infrastructure officer Debra Hill-Howells noted that some pupils were choosing to stand on the lower deck rather than use seats upstairs.
- The council plans to replace affected public bus routes with direct dedicated school services where congestion issues are identified.