Operators must address school phone ban before September

Coach operators using app-based school ticketing should begin discussions with schools now to establish how new phone restrictions will affect pupils’ ability to board services, ShuttleID founder Chris Bell has warned.

Department for Education guidance published on 29 June requires schools in England to become mobile phone-free by default from 1 September.

That means schools must prohibit access to phones and similar smart devices throughout the school day, although headteachers retain discretion over implementations. The guidance also asks schools to consider pupils travelling to and from schools.

Mr Bell says that discretion could produce different arrangements between neighbouring schools, creating difficulties for operators if they serve several establishments. He envisions policies will fall into three categories: phones kept out of sight during the day; basic ‘brick’ phones; or a complete ban of devices on school premises.

“The best thing school transport operators can do right now, if they haven’t started already, is get ahead and have those conversations with schools in their area to find out what their individual policies look like, and what impact it’s going to have on them,” he says.

Mr Bell says even the least restrictive approach could disrupt smartphone ticketing because schools are likely to confiscate devices when policies are breached. Pupils could therefore arrive for journeys without access to QR codes or phone tickets.

Operators relying exclusively on apps should therefore ensure printed passes, smartcards, or other alternatives are available.

Restrictions could also prevent pupils receiving live tracking or service alerts, although systems prioritising communication with parents are likely to retain boarding notifications and safeguarding functions.

“If they are fully exclusive on their transport provision working via an app, those operators will need to figure out how they are going to cater for passengers that turn up without a phone,” adds Mr Bell. “These conversations need to be had between school and operator, and they need to be had now and not in September. There could still be an opportunity for operators to influence how the policies are implemented at the school.”