A Perth boy who was accessing educational support at a suburban high school was left unattended on a bus at the depot for about five hours on Wednesday.
The Horizons West school bus returned to its depot at 9 a.m., where the 7th grader was left alone on board the bus until 1:40 p.m.
The Perth Public Transport Authority (PTA) said the boy, who attends the Leeming SHS Educational Support Center, had food and water while riding in the parked vehicle.
He was found when the bus driver returned to the vehicle to begin his afternoon pick-up route.
In a statement, the PTA said it had strict rules regarding the operation of its school bus service, which forces the driver to pick up the bus at the end of each trip.
The PTA is investigating the incident, but said it was clear the requirements were not being met.
“Leaving children unattended on school buses is a serious breach of contract and the PTA will not accept any excuse for not keeping children safe,” the statement said. “There are significant penalties for any contractor who does not comply with these rules.”
A bus driver and a bus assistant have been stopped until further notice.