Safety buses end 'three-for-two'

All seats on the new buses have seatbelts

Translink has put an end to three-for-two seat sharing on buses as tens of thousands of children head back to school in Northern Ireland.

The company said its fleet of 160 dedicated school buses would improve safety standards for pupils.

Translink wants young people to use the bus seat belts which are provided.

It also aims to end the habit of children standing on school buses, in line with Northern Ireland Assembly recommendations.

"We are delighted to begin the new school year on such a positive note, providing our school bus users with progressive new vehicles which will first and foremost enhance their safety but also improve their comfort," said Translink's Acting Chief Executive Philip O'Neill.

The safety devices include seatbelts and flashing parking lights to let drivers know children are getting off the bus.

A total of £37m has been spent on new buses. Translink carries two thirds of NI pupils who get a bus to and from school, requiring 800 buses to do so.