As the new school year draws closer, Ireland’s leading representative body for commercial bus operators, the Coach Tourism and Transport Council of Ireland (CTTC), has voiced serious concerns over the capacity of the school transport system to meet the anticipated demand. Commercial bus operators, responsible for providing over 95% of school transport routes across the state, have raised alarms about the significant challenges facing the industry.
The CTTC cites the late issuing of tenders from Bus Éireann to commercial operators as a critical issue, putting immense pressure on operators to mobilise their resources in time for the reopening of schools. This delay leaves operators struggling to meet demand, particularly in light of ongoing difficulties in recruiting drivers. The CTTC has long warned that restrictions on the age of drivers — especially the rule preventing drivers over the age of 70 from operating school buses — are exacerbating the shortfall in available personnel.
“With the new school year fast approaching, we are deeply concerned that the system does not have the capacity to cater for the expected demand. The late issuance of tenders from Bus Éireann leaves operators with very little time to prepare, and coupled with the shortage of drivers, this is creating an unsustainable situation,” said Feargal Barton, Chair of the CTTC’s School Transport Committee.
The CTTC had previously welcomed the reform of the school transport scheme’s distance criteria, which will reduce the required distance to 1km for primary students and 2km for post-primary students. However, while these reforms promise to increase eligibility and simplify the system, the organisation is adamant that without addressing the operational challenges facing commercial operators, these reforms will fall short of ensuring a reliable transport system for students.
“Commercial operators stand ready to help ensure the system works, but the issues of late tenders and driver shortages must be addressed urgently. The 70-year age limit on drivers, in particular, is a barrier to retaining experienced personnel, and we need to see greater flexibility and support from the government to ensure a smooth transition into the new school year,” Mr. Barton added.
The CTTC is calling for the immediate establishment of a working group to include all stakeholders—government agencies, schools, and operators—to tackle these pressing issues. The group would work to ensure the planned expansion of the school transport system is fit for purpose and that students can rely on their daily transport as schools reopen.
“While we welcome the reforms introduced by the Department of Education, we cannot ignore the operational challenges facing our members. The system will need all the capacity it can muster, and without timely tenders and sufficient drivers, there is a real risk that many students will be left without transport in the coming weeks.”
” We do not want a situation where students are stranded on the side of the road as they make their way to school.”