U.K. commission calls for U.S.-style school buses

LONDON — A group dubbed the Yellow School Bus Commission has recommended using American-style buses to transport children to and from school in the U.K.

In a year-long study, the commission found that the number of children traveling to school by car had doubled in the last 20 years, to 41 percent of primary school students and 21 percent of secondary school students.

In its report, which was published in September, the commission recommended that school bus service be provided for primary school students who live more than one mile from school.

The commission suggested that secondary school students be encouraged to use scheduled public bus services, but also recommended providing school buses for those students who live more than two miles from school where there is limited public bus service, or for schools with pupils who have exhibited serious behavior problems while riding public buses.

The commission reported that offering school bus service to children would improve student attendance and provide them with a safe alternative for commuting to and from school, as well as reduce traffic congestion and benefit the environment. It estimated that the transportation plan would eliminate up to 230 million car trips annually. The proposals would also substantially reduce carbon emissions.

“This is a forward-looking, realistic and highly relevant contribution to the debate, not simply about transport, but about energy use, climate change and the sensible use and conservation of resources,” said David Blunkett, commission chairman.

To view the commission’s report and recommendations in full, visit www.ysbcommission.com and click on “Commission Report.”