Following concerns about children with additional needs struggling to use buses, an operator has visited a Swindon nursery to help the youngsters overcome their fear of using the mode of transport. Stagecoach West visited the children at Swindon’s Early Years Centre, driving a bus to the nursery for them to explore. The aim was to allow the children to familiarise themselves with buses in a safe, fun, and supportive environment.
The Early Years Centre children on the bus (Image: Stagecoach West) The visit took place after a parent said their child was afraid of buses, causing them difficulty using public transport. It was thought that access to a static bus would alleviate the child's anxiety and enable their family to use this mode of transport more frequently. One of the children's parents said she was "extremely grateful".
She added: “My son, who has Autistic Spectrum Disorder, is very strict and rigid with routines and this creates a barrier for him to do everyday tasks like travelling on public transport. "It was a massive help for both me and him to be able to board the bus in a relaxed environment without any pressure." The Early Years Centre children on the bus (Image: Stagecoach West) The nursery children met the bus driver, explored the bus, practiced buying a ticket, and got comfortable with the on-board experience.
All these activities were to help the children better understand what a bus ride entails. Karen Coventry, commercial and marketing director, Stagec.
