Bus driver rejects children
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KENMORE: Brisbane City Council bus drivers will be counselled about how they deal with young people after two primary schoolboys were stranded at a Kenmore bus stop.
Lorraine Manteit said she was shocked when she discovered a bus driver let two senior students from St Peter’s Lutheran College on to a crowded bus instead of her sons William, 9, and James, 11.
The incident happened at Kenmore Shopping Village on February 1 at 7.06am, just two days after a 12-year-old Stafford boy was stranded by a council bus driver because he was 20 cents short of a fare.
"It’s terrifying going to work and worrying (about) whether they’re going to make it to school or not," Ms Manteit said.
"I have no confidence now, I have to wait with them at the bus stop, because it’s like Daniel Morcombe all over again.
"I’d like to see more 435 buses put on, to go to Gregory Terrace and other schools."
Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said all parties involved could have done more.
"As a father I am shocked to hear it has even occurred," Cr Newman said. "In this situation it is not as simple as blaming the driver."
``Surely, either the school or the senior students have a part to play in making sure the smallest people are taken care of,'' Cr Newman said.
``I will speak immediately to the Labor public transport chair Victoria Newton to see that our bus drivers are counselled on dealing with children.''
A spokesman for Transport Minister John Mickel said three Translink officers visited schools along Gregory Tce on Monday to resolve public transport issues to and from the area.
``They're hoping to resolve the matter quickly,'' the spokesman said.
Gregory Terrace principal Peter Chapman said Translink visited the school on Monday to assess the 928 and 435 bus services.
``What's important is that these kids have reliable on-times services,'' Mr Chapman said.
``If Translink can look at those and make the appropriate changes, the appropriate safety measures will be put in place.''
Cr Margaret de Wit (Pullenvale Ward) said she had approached Translink, which said all buses were being used.
Meanwhile, bus services between Moggill and the city get a boost next Monday, with increased frequency on the 443 and 444 routes.
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