Distancing fears over images of kids crammed on buses

PICTURES which show children crammed together on school buses has sparked major concern among parents, who fear it is undermining social distancing measures in classrooms.

the pictures were taken of the 910 and 909 services from St Patrick’s school in Eccles to cadishead, which are operated by tyrers coaches and subsidised by transport for Greater manchester (tfGm).

Government guidance states dedicated school buses do not need to abide by the normal 1m social distancing rules, because ‘pupils on dedicated school services do not mix with the general public.’

But parents say crowding on board the buses undermines the measures implemented by schools to stop the spread of coronavirus.

one parent said: “the bus is completely overcrowded and there is a risk of covid spreading.

“Some kids are wearing masks, other’s aren’t. a teacher did come on to warn kids to keep their masks on but some just took them off afterwards.

“in school, they are in strict bubbles but on the bus the years mix together and there’s no social distancing.

head teacher alison Byrne said: “we are aware of the issue. all children have been instructed on a daily basis to wear a mask on the bus.

“until a resolution is found, it may be in pupils’ best interests to find alternative transport to and from school where possible.”

tfGm’s interim head of bus services, alison chew, said: “we know space is limited on school bus services, which is why we’re encouraging those who can to walk or cycle and why we are putting on almost 300 additional trips a day.”