First Bus has implemented a ban on all passengers aged 15 and under travelling without an adult after 6pm in Stoke-on-Trent. This measure will remain in place until further notice.
The company stated that the decision was made due to multiple incidents of antisocial behaviour. These incidents have occurred since the government's free travel scheme for children aged 5 to 15 was introduced on 1 August.
One reported incident involved over 100 young people acting in an "intimidating and aggressive way" at Hanley bus station, leading to police being called. Simon Mathieson, First Bus regional director, noted that drivers and passengers felt unsafe due to the behaviour.
While acknowledging the free travel offer as a positive scheme, Mathieson explained that the ban was a regrettable decision made to protect staff and other customers. Drivers retain discretion to provide free travel for vulnerable unaccompanied children to ensure their safety.
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet minister for transport at Stoke-on-Trent council, expressed disappointment at the ban, stating that children who did nothing wrong are paying the price. He questioned why more transport safety officers were not deployed instead. However, First Bus confirmed the decision has the full support of the council and approval from the Department for Transport (DfT).