PUPILS at St Mary's RC High are benefiting from the introduction of a new style of bus service that is transforming school journeys.

Yellow school bus services have been introduced by Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority and the two new buses are already fully subscribed -- with 134 pupils from the Hag Fold area signed-up.

The scheme at the Astley school follows successful pilot projects in Stockport, Tameside and Standish, and has been designed to improve the quality of school services, address safety and security issues and help ease traffic congestion.

Special pick-up and drop-off points have been arranged for pupils close to their homes, with the route designed to provide maximum coverage for the locality.

Pupils sit in the same seatbelt-equipped seat every day -- and the buses are driven by the same driver each day in order to help build a good working relationship with pupils.

All drivers have undergone an extensive training programme run by GMPTE, which includes training in customer care, first aid, disability awareness, health and safety issues and conflict avoidance. Pupils and their parents are also required to sign up to a code of conduct.

Councillor John Hilton, GMPTA Wigan area spokesman, said: "The new yellow school bus projects are proving extremely successful and popular and I'm sure that these latest services in Astley will be much valued by pupils, parents and the school.

"A lot of hard work went into the planning of the pilot projects to ensure that they proved to be a hit -- and staff from GMPTE, First and St Mary's RC High School have worked together very closely setting up this scheme to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

"The Authority has big plans to extend the yellow school bus network across Greater Manchester, so it's vital that these initial schemes are successful."