Overcrowded school buses put students’ safety at risk, Labor says

Students are being forced to sit on the floor or stand for long periods on busy school buses travelling at high speeds, putting them in danger of “flying forward”, Labor says.

STUDENT safety is being put at risk by long journeys on overcrowded school buses, Labor says.

Opposition Leader Rebecca White said overcrowding also breached sensible social distancing protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Concerned mother Lucy Bradshaw, of Dodges Ferry, with Labor leader Rebecca White, discussing overcrowding on school buses. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

She said on some school runs, large numbers of students were forced to stand for long periods while travelling at high speeds on the highway.

“Not only is this dangerous for students with crowded buses travelling long distances on the highway at speeds of up to 110 kilometres an hour, but there is a heightened level of worry given COVID-19 concerns,” Ms White said.

“Despite raising these concerns with the government, the response has been dismissive, with the Minister responsible Michael Ferguson, saying buses are operating within their legal operational limits.

“Minister Ferguson even made the laughable statement that if the government provided more bus services, it would increase traffic congestion.

“With many parents having lost their job or hours, or working from home due to COVID-19, fewer are driving and there is more demand for bus transport for students.”

Lucy Bradshaw said having children standing in peak-hour traffic was “frightening”. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Concerned parent Lucy Bradshaw said her daughter travelled from Dodges Ferry to Hobart each day.

“A couple of days in the last two weeks, she’s had to sit on the floor,” she said.

“It’s frightening. It’s a long drive in peak-hour traffic, and to have that many children standing on a bus is frightening: 50 to 57 children can be seated and 20 to 35 standing.

“Late braking, or trying to avoid an accident, all the kids just go flying forward on the bus, landing on each other.”

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Education Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government would look into any complaints about overcrowded school bus services.

“As bus services near capacity of course we will work with the school bus contractors and the schools to see what additional services can be put in place to ensure the safety of commuting students,” he said.

“Any school-contracted services, if they’re nearing capacity, of course we will look at the school bus service and indeed the schools to see what can be accommodated.”