Sallins Bus Driver Tom Cross Urges End To Cut Off Age Of 70 For School Bus Drivers

Wednesday, 7 May 2025 12:21

By Martin Osborne

He said it doesn't make sense that a bus driver could bring children anywhere in the country on a private bus but not to a school.

A local bus driver has called for the removal of the cut off age of 70 for drivers of school buses.

Tom Cross from Sallins said in theory he understands the rule but it amounts to discrimation.

Thousands of drivers are needed every year to cover 10,300 routes to primary and post-primary schools across the country.

He said it doesn't make sense that a bus driver could bring children anywhere in the country on a private bus but not to a school.

Research by the RSA recently outlined how morbidity and illness risk factors are at a higher level in bus drivers.

The issue was raised in the Seanad last week, with Minister of State Noel Grealish explaining that the Government will seek an independent assessment on the impact of removing the cutoff age of 70.

He said it could solve the problem of driver shortages, with 172,000 children reliant on buses as part of the School Transport Scheme.

Sallins Driver Tom Cross said some people in their 70s are in very good health and retirement from the service should be optional.

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