Powys transport chiefs say they're 'pleased' with how well a new school bus pass system is working in the county.

The new passes were issued to around 6,000 pupils following the summer holidays, leading to an initial delay for some learners due to backlogs at County Hall.

But with all passes now issued, Cllr Aled Davies, Cabinet Member for Transport says the new system, which sees pupils issued with QR codes, is working well.

"Powys has the most extensive home to school transport service in all of Wales," he said.

"Since the introduction of the new school bus pass, the school transport unit have issued over 6,000 passes to Powys learners.

"We understand that adapting to change can be tough, but we thank the schools, transport providers, parents and students for their support in implementing and embracing these new passes in such a short timescale."

"As always, the safety of our students is paramount, and we are pleased with how well this new system is working and the benefits that will entail with its continued use."

The council says the new passes were established to improve the safety of students as well as to ensure that the home to school transport service is run at its most efficient.

Students are required to have their pass scanned when they get on and off the vehicles, both on the way to and from school.

"By scanning the QR codes of the pass each time a student gets on and off a vehicle, we can create an accurate passenger list which can be accessed, if needed, in case of an emergency," said a council spokesperson.

"Being able to identify which students are traveling on which vehicles at any one time, means that allows us to conform with Track, Trace and Protect purposes.

"As an aside to student and driver safety, the added benefit of the introduction of the new bus passes allows us to monitor how the vehicles are being used. Where possible, this will allow us to make improvements to vehicles ensuring we run the service efficiently and making savings for the taxpayers, where we can."