Yellow School Buses

The Yellow School Bus Project [yellowschoolbus.info] in Greater Manchester is as much about the concept as it is about the buses. The scheme has been designed with young users in mind and comprises: Designated driver for each bus route, Allocated seats chosen by students, no standees, Photo card and bus pass for each child, Code of Practice signed by students and parents, Pick up/drop off close to student's home  and a specific route designed to serve students.

The concept was designed to address issues including punctuality of student arriving at school, antisocial behaviour on school buses and car use.

The Yellow School Buses are Irisbus Scolabus 24s [irisbus scolabus] and have a number of special features, many aimed at increasing the safety and security of the users. These include: up to 7 camera CCTV, including monitor, 3 point safety belts with reminders at eye level for students to fasten their seatbelts, Low-rise, making it easier and safer for children to board and alight the bus, Fully DDA compliant, including wheelchair lift at rear, Grab handles on seats to improve safety when boarding and alighting the bus, Safety roll bars built into stainless steel body.

The Yellow School Buses are designed to be as comfortable as possible for the students using them which is why they are fitted with air conditioning and a CD player with PA system for entertainment on the bus.

Students can board the bus at any bus stop along the route [ysb routes]. There is a service currently operating to Albion High School in Salford. The typical current cost is £6 a week, tickets can be bought on the bus.