News
Yellow school bus
Greater Manchester's 16-strong yellow school bus fleet has been fitted with an innovative new emission and particle reducing device. The 'PowerTrap' system can cut harmful exhaust emissions by up to 90 per cent and has been developed locally by the Manchester School of Engineering at the University of Manchester. The project has been part funded by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority - which pays for most local school bus services and funds the fleet of yellow buses.
The PowerTrap is particularly useful for the school bus as diesel engines produce ultra-fine diesel particles which can affect the elderly and children in particular. Whilst other technologies only remove around 80% of these ultra-fine particles, the Power Trap removes over 90%.
The successful yellow school bus pilot project currently operates at nine schools across Greater Manchester. It is designed to improve the quality of school services, address safety and security issues and help ease traffic congestion caused by the school run. Special pick-up and drop-off points are arranged for pupils close to their homes, with the route designed to provide maximum coverage for the locality. Pupils sit in the same seatbelt-equipped seat every day - and the buses are driven by the same driver each day in order to help build a good working relationship with pupils.
All drivers have undergone an extensive training programme run by GMPTE, which includes training in customer care, first aid, disability awareness, health and safety issues and conflict avoidance. Pupils and their parents are also required to sign up to a code of conduct.