Pupils ‘packed like sardines’ on way to class
Bus company takes action after angry mum posts photo online
BUS company bosses have put a double-decker on a school service after a mum tweeted a photograph of pupils on a “packed” single-decker.
Arriva Midlands East acted after a Narborough mum posted a picture of pupils heading to Lutterworth College on the X84 on Monday, September 7.
The mum, called Elaine, said: “I could not get through to Arriva, so I just put the photo on Twitter and hoped to raise awareness that way.
“The school is doing what it can to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 but they have to travel there packed in like sardines. I was so angry.”
Simon Mathieson, area managing director for Arriva, said: “All our services have been made Covid-19 secure and we are complying with the most recent Government guidance on social distancing measures.
“The service mentioned is a duplicate bus with two buses running together.
“One is open to the general public as normal and the other is a dedicated school bus, numbered SX84, which is reserved for school, sixth form and college pupils only.
“Where possible we are asking pupils to maintain social distancing and wear a face covering if over 11.
“On these dedicated school buses the capacity is increased, as per government guidelines, allowing students to sit next to each other and to stand if necessary.
“All of our staff received additional training to ensure school buses are kept closed to pupils only.
“Following feedback and staff observations, this journey will now have extra capacity with a double-decker bus operating on it.
“Ensuring that school and college children can travel safely is of the utmost importance to us and our drivers take every step possible to never leave a pupil behind.
“We are monitoring the situation constantly to ensure the extra resources we have out on the roads are going to where they are needed the most.”
Elaine said her daughter had used the new double-decker service and “there was lot more room”.
“I am pleased,” she said. “Arriva have obviously listened and reacted accordingly.”