Arriva launch special 'S buses' dedicated to Milton Keynes schoolchildren when they return to school next week

Bus company Arriva say the buses will be for the sole use of school, sixth form and college pupils.

And they are asking passengers from each school to sit in separate "bubbles" on the buses to further reduce the risk of infection.

All students over the age of 11 should wear face masks for added protection unless they have an exemption. And cash will only be accepted as payment in "exceptional circumstances", say Arriva bosses.

They are launching the service next week, with the route number for the school-only services beginning with an “S”.

Simon Finnie, area managing director for Arriva said: “There are some elements of bus travel that are operating slightly differently this year. We will have buses reserved for school, sixth form and college pupils only, the route number for these services will begin with an “S”.

"Pupils from any year group and from any school or college located on the route can travel on these buses. If you need to travel on the same bus as pupils from another school then please sit with others from your own school, ideally from your own year group."

Mr Finnie added: "Where possible we are asking you to maintain social distancing, although capacity on these buses will be increased allowing students to sit next to each other and standing if necessary.

"We recommend that all pupils over the age of 11 wear a face covering, exemptions apply. Pupils should also carry hand sanitiser with them and use it before getting on and off the bus wherever possible.”

To increase capacity, Arriva will be using larger buses than normal on certain services, and in some cases will be running two buses at the same time - one for students only and one for other members of the public.

Mr Finnie said all Arriva buses are Covid-19 secure and undergo enhanced touchpoint cleaning each day. Good

ventilation of fresh air is ensured by keeping windows open wherever possible.

"To help reduce the amount of physical contact between pupils and drivers, Arriva are asking pupils to only use contactless payment or tickets via the Arriva UK Bus app. Cash will only be accepted as a form of payment in exceptional circumstances and where the correct fare can be paid, Arriva drivers will not be able to provide change at this time."

You can find full timetable details in the Arriva UK Bus app, which can be downloaded here .