First Bus bans under-16s in Stoke-on-Trent travelling alone after 6pm after disorder
Summary
First Bus in Stoke-on-Trent has banned children aged 15 and under from travelling alone after 6pm because of several incidents of disruptive and unsafe behavior. The ban follows the introduction of a free bus travel scheme for kids aged 5 to 15 across England starting in August.Key Facts
- First Bus banned unaccompanied passengers aged 15 and under after 6pm in Stoke-on-Trent due to antisocial behavior.
- Several incidents involved large groups of young people acting aggressively, including one at Hanley bus station requiring police intervention.
- The free bus travel scheme began on August 1 and allows kids aged 5 to 15 to travel for free across England.
- Drivers reported unsafe actions like children swinging on straps and running on buses while moving.
- Stoke-on-Trent council expressed disappointment at the ban, saying it unfairly affects well-behaved children.
- The council suggested increasing safety officers instead of banning young passengers.
- The free travel policy was seen as positive but moved some problematic behavior to more visible public spaces like bus stations.
- Other places like Scotland plan rules to manage free travel behavior, including possible suspension of travel rights for rule-breakers.
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