First Bus has introduced a temporary restriction in Stoke-on-Trent preventing passengers aged 15 and under from travelling unaccompanied after 18:00. The firm says the step is necessary to protect drivers and other passengers in the wake of a series of disturbances since the launch of the government’s free travel scheme for children.
What the ban covers and why it was imposed
The measure applies to unaccompanied passengers aged 15 and under on services operated by First Bus in the city and will remain in force "until further notice". First Bus has cited a number of incidents, including a large disturbance at Hanley bus station where police were called after a group of young people behaved in what the company described as an "intimidating and aggressive" manner.
"...more than 100 young people behaved in an ‘intimidating and aggressive’ manner."
Simon Mathieson, regional director for First Bus, told BBC Radio Stoke the events had left drivers and passengers feeling unsafe and that staff had reported dangerous behaviour on moving vehicles, such as children swinging on handrail loops and running around.
Official backing and local criticism
First Bus said the restriction had been approved by the Department for Transport and had the council’s support. Drivers will retain discretion to allow travel for unaccompanied children who are vulnerable or when travel is necessary for their safety.
Not all local politicians agree with the approach. Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, the city council’s transport lead, criticised the ban as a blanket measure that penalises the majority of children who were not involved in the incidents. He suggested alternative responses, including increased deployment of transport safety staff on troubled routes and a stronger police presence at the bus station.
Context: the national free travel scheme
The decision follows the introduction of a government scheme that, from 1 August, allows free travel for children aged 5 to 15 on participating bus services in England. First Bus acknowledged the policy as a positive initiative that could encourage greater bus use, but said recent events required safeguarding action.
- Who is affected: Passengers aged 15 and under travelling unaccompanied.
- When: After 18:00, until further notice.
- Exceptions: Drivers may permit travel for vulnerable children or where necessary for safety.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Age range | 5–15 (scheme); restriction applies to 15 and under |
| Restriction start | Introduced after incidents following 1 August scheme launch |
| Authority | Approved by Department for Transport; First Bus with council support |
The decision raises immediate practical questions for families who have relied on buses for evening travel. While the operator emphasises staff and passenger safety, councillors call for targeted measures rather than broad bans. For now, parents and guardians in Stoke-on-Trent will need to ensure children are accompanied after 18:00 on First Bus services or rely on the discretion of drivers where safety concerns apply.
