LibertyBus have been running workshops this month to give youngsters the confidence to catch the bus when they start secondary school in September.
Pupils from First Tower Primary School and St John’s School have been learning how to use the bus safely and more schools are taking part in the workshops next week.
Marketing Manager Jess Stanier said: “We had lots of fun. The pupils all got really involved, trialled using the AvanchiCards, riding the bus safely, getting the bus to stop and we worked out how to get from their parish around the island using our LibertyBus map and the Track My Bus app. It was a very interactive workshop and I think the children enjoyed the quirks like using famous names on bus passes to keep them engaged.
“For many teenagers, this time of year can be extremely stressful – leaving the primary school they are comfortable with and moving to a secondary school where everything seems new. By teaching them confidence with travel ahead of the school term, they have the whole of summer to familiarise themselves with how to use the busses – so at least when they start their new school, travelling alone will not also be.
“The student AvanchiCard is a powerful thing. It provides them with independence, confidence, knowledge and of course the power to visit other areas of our beautiful island – whilst taking responsibility for their eco footprint. If we can encourage young adults to use the bus early on, imagine how we could decrease traffic and congestion on our roads as well as having a generation who, despite their age, are already mindful of their carbon footprint!”
LibertyBus Driver Paul Morgan, who has been doing the school run for 21 years, said: “I think these workshops are a great idea. Lots of the kids I take are really nervous when they first use the buses. This gives them a bit of a head start and some confidence on their first days at secondary.”
Any other schools who want to take part in the workshops this month can contact JessStanier@hctgroup.org or call Jess Stanier on 828558.