Bus operators appeal for direction over back to school measures

Worried parents and bus operators anxious to know what action will be required to ensure safety and Covid protections ahead of schools’ reopening

Parents across Meath whose children travel to school by bus are waiting to hear what measures are being put in place for the services to continue.

Bus operators are also awaiting information on what measures they will have to put in place as they prepare for the reopening of schools, pointing out that many of them have had no income over the last few months.

Nick Killian, chairperson of the Louth Meath Education and Training Board said he has been contacted by worried parents and bus operators, who want to know what measures are being put in place for the schools' reopening.

James Carolan of Nobber who has 17 school bus contracts with Bus Eireann said “I honestly don't know what is happening and I don't think Bus Éireann knows either.

“It is a real headache. We have 32 vehicles and no income at the moment. We received 50 per cent of the school contract up until July, but we are getting nothing now,

“Bus operators will need help to get up and running. It would be a terrible thing to have to say to drivers that they cannot get paid until six weeks after they go back to work, when the first cheque from Bus Eireann comes in.

“The Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland is working to get some subsidy for private operators, but it could be middle or late September before it comes,” he said.

Michael Tully has six contracts with Bus Éireann in the Ashbourne and Kells area and says he has received very little information on what will be required to start up again.

“All of our buses are pretty full. We haven't been given information on what disinfection is needed or if we need to fit screens.

“We'd like to know as soon as possible so we can be prepared.

“All our drivers have been laid off until we get more information.

“If we need more buses and drivers because of social distancing, it will be hard to recruit new drivers and get Garda vetting in time,” he said. “We are chomping at the bit to get going, but we need information to prepare.”

Michael Murray who is based in Duleek operates 15 privately hired school buses – he does not have a Bus Eireann contract.

He is concerned that social distancing guidelines could make his business unviable.

“If we are forced to operate at 50 per cent capacity, it won't be sustainable. We need to be at 80 to 90 per cent capacity at least,” he said.

“We have been off the road since 12th March with no income coming in but we still have to pay for the yard and insurance.

“We have received no support from the government but would need at least 17 per cent of what we earned in 2019 to get started up again.”

In the Dail recently, Education Minister Norma Foley said her Department was currently engaging intensively with Bus Éireann, the Department of Transport and the National Transport Authority on the logistical considerations that arise from public health advice in planning for the reopening of schools.

The operation of school transport services in September 2020 will be informed by the outcome of this planning for re-opening schools.

A spokesperson for Bus Eireann said the company was engaging with the Department of Education on the logistical considerations that arise from public health advice in planning for the reopening of schools for the 2020/2021 academic year. The operation of school transport services in September 2020 will be informed by the outcome of this planning, and further guidance will be issued to customers as soon as it is available.

She said the company was currently processing applications for School Transport services for the 2020/2021 academic year. The payment system facility for the 2020/2021 school year is now open and will remain open until July 31st. Further information in regard to school transport is available on www.buseireann.ie.

Bus Éireann operates the School Transport scheme on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills and carries over 120,000 children to and from schools on a daily basis on over 7,000 dedicated school transport routes.