Shipley MP Catches Yellow School Bus
30 June 2006
It was back to school for Philip Davies on Friday, when the Shipley MP took a ride on one of Metro’s ‘My bus’ yellow buses.
Mr Davies joined pupils of Ilkley’s Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School and Metro’s Bradford District Spokesperson Councillor Chris Greaves on the bus, which has proved a real success with local pupils, parents and teachers.
During his journey, Mr Davies saw how Metro’s ‘My bus’ services pick up the pupils from pre-arranged collection points, how they are checked against the register. He was also shown how the driver can contact the ‘My bus’ call centre should any child fail not be at their stop or have no-one waiting to collect them on the journey home.
“I have heard from local parents in my constituency how pleased they are with their yellow bus service and am glad I have had the chance to come along and see it for myself,” said Mr Davies. “The children obviously love the independence the scheme
In May, Conservative Party Leader David Cameron acknowledged the impact that yellow bus schemes such as ‘My bus’ could have and set up a school bus working party, which includes Metro Chairman Councillor Stanley King. And earlier this week, Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling rode on a ‘My bus’ yellow bus during a visit to Metro.
“We need to do something about combating the extra congestion caused by the school run and along with Mr Cameron, I believe schemes such as Metro’s ‘My bus’ have a significant role to play,” said Mr Davies.
Councillor Greaves said, “I am pleased that we have had the opportunity to show Mr Davies how effective and popular ‘My bus’ is.
“By the end of 2007, we will have 150 yellow buses serving over 300 West Yorkshire schools, but we think all pupils and their parents should have access to the benefits of the scheme," he continued
"Metro will be urging the Department for Transport to look at how yellow bus provision can be widened across West Yorkshire and the rest of the country.”
Notes to editors
Contact:
Stacy Hilliard
Office of Philip Davies, MP Shipley
0) 207 219 8264
[email protected]
Debbie Davies
Office of Philip Davies, MP Shipley
(0) 1274 592 248
[email protected]
