Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the capacity of the school bus provided by Ulsterbus for the morning journey from Castlereagh road to Newtownbreda high school; how many children travel each morning in this bus; whether the bus is insured for this level of service; and if he will make a statement about the safety of pupils on this bus.
§ Mr. AncramThe maximum seating and standing capacity on buses is governed by the Public Services Vehicles Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1985.
There are two 53-seater buses and one 49-seater bus provided by Ulsterbus for the morning journey from Castlereagh to Newtonbreda high school and other schools and colleges in the area; each of these buses may also carry up to 22 standing passengers. A recent survey by Ulsterbus showed that the maximum number of passengers carried on each bus at any time on their journey averaged 62. Ulsterbus is insured for this level of service.