Covid could spell end of school bus

ANGUS: Council warns two-metre rule may reduce services

School pupils in Angus face missing out on council-provided transport because of the need to make space for social distancing.

The local authority normally provides school transport for about 3,000 pupils a day. But yesterday it warned parents the two-metre rule meant it may not be able to accommodate every child who was entitled to it.

Parents were told a 16-seater vehicle may only be able to carry four children and that council officers were exploring all available options, including multiple trips or bringing in extra vehicles.

But the statement went on: “Please note that due to the current guidance on physical distancing, we may not be able to provide transport to everyone who is entitled to it – despite our best efforts.”

Angus children and learning convener Derek Wann called on the Scottish Government to give clarity to councils on whether they can expect the social distancing guidelines to be revised.

Schools in Dundee are also set to operate a reduced service, with Harris Academy among those encouraging staff, parents, carers and pupils to walk or cycle where possible.

School pupils in Angus face missing out on council-provided transport after it was announced not all those entitled to the service would be guaranteed a spot.

Under normal circumstances the local authority provides school transport for approximately 3,000 entitled pupils daily.

But in a message posted to social media, the council outlined how the current social distancing guidelines have reduced capacity on the vehicles used to transport pupils to and from schools.

The council said: “We are working hard to make arrangements for hometo-school transport from August. We already know that our school transport service will look different.

“The current government guidance in relation to physical distancing means we have reduced capacity on our vehicles. As an example a 16-seater vehicle may only be able to carry four children.”

“We are using information we hold about routes and sibling groups to plan these journeys. We are exploring all available options including making multiple trips or using additional vehicles.”

Under Scottish legislation, all pupils eight years of age and under who live two or more miles from their catchment school qualify for free school transport.

Those pupils over eight years of age who live three or more miles from their catchment school and all secondary pupils who live three or more miles from their catchment school are also entitled.

Despite the announcement Angus children and learning convener, Arbroath Conservative councillor Derek Wann, moved to reassure parents they would do everything they could to ensure pupils were given alternative options to get to school.

He said: “It would be more helpful if the Scottish Government actually made up their minds if they are sticking to two metres or changing it to one because that changes the goalposts.”

Councillor Wann also urged the Scottish Government to give greater clarity as to whether or not councils across the country can expect the social distancing guidelines to be revised in the coming days or weeks.

“The message coming from John Swinney one day is completely different to what Nicola Sturgeon says the next, so it’s about time they gave us better direction and guidance,” he added.

“The guidance we are working with at the moment is two metres but if for some reason it changes next week or whenever, it will mean more people can get on the bus and to school.

“Until there is specific guidance over whether the social distancing will get reduced or not, it does no local authority any good.”

Angus Council also announced that pupils who access the service as a “privilege place” – meaning those who don’t qualify for free transport – or as a fare-payer will not be provided with transport by the local authority while the current restrictions are in place.

According to a school transport policy statement put out by by the local authority in 2018, privilege places can withdrawn at any time in the event of those seats being required for entitled pupils.

Schools in Dundee are also set to operate a reduced service for pupil transport and Harris Academy is among those encouraging staff, parents, carers and pupils to walk or cycle where possible in order to minimise pressure on public transport and the road network.

The school is also asking parents and carers to consider transporting pupils themselves by car and using the school bus network only when no alternative mode of transport is available.

In an online survey for parents, Harris Academy said: “A single decker bus which would normally carry 45 school children can now only carry 10 and double deckers are reduced to a capacity of 20 passengers.”

The Scottish Government has been approached for comment.