Michael Bell
Question:216 Mr. Bell asked the Minister for Education if she has any arrangement with CIE whereby 90 children can be carried on a school bus or any other bus service; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - School Transport.
The loading capacity of buses operating under the school transport scheme is determined under the relevant road traffic regulations. Loading of vehicles for school transport is calculated, I understand, on the basis of three school children to every two adult seats.
The school bus fleet consists of vehicles with varying seating capacities and Bus Éireann, who operate the scheme on behalf of my Department, ensure that loadings do not exceed the maximum legal carrying of these vehicles.
While the majority of the large buses in the school fleet have adult seating capacity of 45-55 equating with 67-82 school children, a small number of vehicles operating under the scheme have sufficient capacity to accommodate 90 school children.