A new restriction preventing children under 15 from travelling alone on some evening bus services in Stoke-on-Trent has triggered a debate over safety, parental responsibility and access to public transport.
First Bus announced that young passengers would need to be accompanied by an adult when using services to and from Hanley Bus Station after 18:00. The measure follows complaints about anti-social behaviour on buses, but the decision has faced criticism from local politicians and residents who say it unfairly affects thousands of young people.
Bus Company Introduces Evening Restriction After Behaviour Complaints
According to the BBC, the policy was introduced after reports of disruptive incidents involving some young passengers. The complaints included claims of passengers pressing emergency buttons, throwing objects at drivers, stealing cash and verbally abusing staff.
The restriction comes as children aged five to 15 across England have been able to use most bus services for free through a government-supported travel scheme, which is due to end at the end of the month.
Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, criticised the move, describing it as unfair because the actions of a minority could affect many responsible young passengers.
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Driver Says Free Travel Has Changed How Some Families Use Buses
A bus driver identified as Ian from Penkhull, who has worked for the company for three decades, told BBC Radio Stoke that he believed the free travel offer had increased the number of children using buses without supervision.
“With it being free, I think the parents think we’re childcare for them,” the driver told BBC Radio Stoke. “It gets them out the way, doesn’t it?”
Ian said he had not personally experienced serious problems on his own route but acknowledged that some colleagues had reported difficult situations. He added that a reduction in passenger numbers during school holidays had provided drivers with what he described as a “nice break” before schools returned in September.
Councillor Warns Young People Should Not Be Punished For Others’ Actions
Opponents of the restriction argue that limiting independent travel could create problems for teenagers who rely on buses for education, activities and social connections.
One young bus user told the BBC that the policy was unfair and could harm responsible passengers because of incidents involving a small number of people.
“I’ve got a 12-year-old brother and I think it’s a crying shame. I think it’s unfair actually, that so many young people in our city are being punished for the actions of a few,” the passenger said.
The debate has placed pressure on local authorities and transport operators to find ways to address disruptive behaviour without removing access for all younger passengers.
Stoke Faces Challenge Of Balancing Safety And Public Transport Access
The dispute highlights a wider issue facing transport providers: how to respond to anti-social behaviour while maintaining services that many communities depend on.
First Bus has defended the restriction as a response to concerns raised by staff and passengers, while critics argue that stronger measures should focus on those responsible for incidents rather than imposing limits on all under-15 travellers.
The company’s evening travel rule applies to services operating to and from Hanley Bus Station after 18:00, requiring younger passengers to travel with an adult.
