First Bus announces time restriction on child-free travel in Stoke

First Bus has announced that from 6:00pm tomorrow (Friday 21 August) children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult to travel on its services operating to and from Hanley Bus Station.

The time restriction, introduced as the Kids Go Free travel scheme continues in England throughout August, has been decided after discussions with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and Staffordshire Police, and approved by the Department for Transport following continuing incidents of anti-social behaviour at the bus station and on board services.  

The restriction on evening free travel for under-15s will remain in place until further notice. Drivers will continue to be able to exercise their discretion to provide free travel for unaccompanied children and young people if they are vulnerable or to ensure their safety.

A total of 32 First Bus services are covered by the 6:00pm limit. Full details can be found on the website and below Great British Summer | First Bus

Rebecca Arrowsmith, General Manager of First Bus in the Potteries, said: “We have, regrettably, made the decision to introduce this change to the child free travel scheme to help prevent growing incidents of antisocial behaviour at the bus station and on our services.

“The safety of our staff and customers is always our number one priority and we will always take steps to ensure everyone on board can travel in comfort and without nuisance.

“This measure has the full support of the council and will be kept under daily review. We hope to be able to end the restriction as soon as possible.”

Full list of services included in the 6pm limit are as follows:

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