A NEW yellow bus service took to the road today in a bid to cut traffic congestion.

The bus is serving St Joseph's Roman Catholic Primary School, Brighouse.

Thirty-five pupils, aged from five to 11, were using the service as they returned from their half-term break.

Children from Rastrick, Woodhouse, Clifton, Field Lane, Toothill and Waring Green are using the service which has been organised by transport authority Metro and Calderdale Council's Safe Routes to School team.

Metro gave pupils goody bags to mark their first journey.

Yellow bus services provide a safer way for pupils to get to and from school. The bus is fitted with seat belts and children receive safety training on board.

The regular trained driver has a register of children boarding the bus to ensure no-one is left behind.

Only children registered in the scheme can board the bus, so there is no chance of stranger danger.

The service is provided by First Group and will reduce the 40 cars that now stop and drop off children.

This has been causing congestion around the school gate during the morning school run.

Tickets for the yellow bus are based on local child fares, but for the first two weeks First are running the service for free.

Calderdale Council's road safety officer Peter Shepherdson said: "Having just put in an extensive scheme to stop indiscriminate parking at the school, I am delighted to see the introduction of the yellow bus as it provides a real alternative to the car.

"Reducing the number of cars outside the school will make it considerably safer for the pupils."

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