Hello!

11 Comments

Children are being forced to sit quiet on the way to school, with a number of “silent buses” introduced.

Duffy’s City Buses, which operate in Bundaberg, QLD, started the policy last month with owner Chris Duffy saying, “extreme noise affects a driver’s ability to concentrate effectively.”

“Unfortunately, there is no middle ground between silence and extremely excessive noise on a couple of school runs,” he said, the News Mail reported.

Warning signs have been displayed, “This bus is now a ‘silent bus.’ This means you cannot make any sounds whilst travelling on this service – no exceptions,” the sign reads.

“This rule will now be enforced at all times – no exceptions.”

bus sign

An Education Department spokeswoman said the policy is to stop putting “students or members of the public at risk,” reports 7 news.

“The department does not condone any behaviour or activity that puts another student or member of the public at risk,” she said.

The department said if children do not follow the “silent” rule, their parents will be issued a warning letter.

My mum was the bus driver when I was in primary school. It can certainly get pretty loud and rowdy on the bus.

Do you think this should be a national ruling?

Share your comments below

We may get commissions for purchases made using links in this post. Learn more.
  • It sounds great on paper. Very unrealistic in real life. Can you write an article on how parents keep kids quiet? Especially without actually being their to physically gag them.

    Reply

  • This actually seems pretty sensible – although a little harsh.

    Reply

  • I understand that drivers need to concentrate but kids can’t be expected to make no noise at all???

    Reply

  • I’m always astonished at the amount of noise that is still generated on a quiet train carriage, so I can only imagine how loud a school bus can get.

    Reply

  • I agree that too much noise can disturb the driver’s concentration. Maybe there should be another adult in the bus monitoring the kids?


    • It is a good idea and would also assist with stopping bullying and other inappropriate behaviour on buses.

    Reply

  • How would a national ruling work and what ages? I imagine it would be difficult to implement and monitor too. Possibly some education around bus etiquette may be in order. I remember one of the joys of catching the bus was to chat with friends.

    Reply

  • Once upon a time, children knew how to speak quietly or even whisper. Most can now NOT DO IT AT ALL ! I have taught since 1970. I have watched this develop. Teachers must require silence, as the class can’t work. quietly. I have seen bus drivers refuse to drive at all because the noise is deafening. Whose fault is this? I have no idea but it would be good if kids could learn to speak quietly. I am certainly requiring it of my grandchildren. They are happy to do it.

    Reply

  • In the interest of safety, i think it’s not a bad idea, maybe the return of Bus Monitors/ Conductors on school buses would be a good thing too, that way the driver is free to concentrate on driving, and the monitor can control the noise level.

    Reply

  • Kids together do make noise,it is only natural!

    Reply

  • I have been on a school bus full of kids and they can get out of control. If the driver has to watch the kids and keep them controlled, his attention is taken from the road which could result in an accident. I think this will be Gard to implement but is a good idea

    Reply

Post a comment
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your comment and join MoM:

You May Like

Loading…

Looks like this may be blocked by your browser or content filtering.

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join