THE TWU STRONGLY OPPOSED TO OVERLOADED SCHOOL BUSES

The Transport Workers' Union Queensland is today issuing a statement rejecting calls that the TWU supports the overloading of school buses.

The statement comes after a spokesperson from the Translink Transit Authority told the Sunshine Coast Daily that the TWU supports a Buslink Policy that allows buses to carry 20 standing passengers.

TWU Branch Secretary Hughie Williams said, "In no uncertain terms does the TWU support any policy that allows the overloading of school buses and for school children to stand in the aisle of a bus."

Mr Williams said, "The TWU strongly believes that school children's lives are at risk by standing up in a moving vehicle."

Mr Williams said, "The TWU is lobbying Transport Minister John Mickel to change the current legislation regarding bus limits and to install seatbelts in every school bus in Queensland."

Mr Williams said, "Our children's lives should not be put in jeopardy because of the cost of making our public transport system safer."

The TWU also calls on the Queensland Parents and Citizens Association to support the TWU's campaign and to help lobby the Queensland Government for safety improvements to the State's buses.

The safety of our children must come first.