Thirty pupils from six Leeds schools graduated from Metro’s ‘On the Move’ seminar this week.

In mini-workshops at Metro’s Wellington House on Thursday 17 January, they learned how to use Metro’s yournextbus real-time text and on-line service, how to plan a journey using Metro’s web sites and bus and train timetables and how to stay safe on their journey.

They also visited the MetroLine call centre and the CCTV control room, from where bus stations across West Yorkshire are monitored 24 hours a day and saw a presentation by the team drawing up future transport plans for Leeds that could include state-of-the-art trolleybuses.

Metro organised ‘On the Move’ as part of Leeds City Council’s Stan Kenyon Challenge. It is an annual award which this year has challenged schools to design a new transport system or a new mode of transport suitable for Leeds in the 21st Century.

“What a fantastic day,” said Kirsty Godfrey, a teacher at Pudsey Primrose Hill Primary. “The children have really enjoyed themselves and I’ve learnt quite a lot myself about Metro’s activities.

“It’s been really interesting.”

Cllr Ryk Downes, Metro’s Chairman, who welcomed the pupils to the Wellington House event said the Challenge was a great way of getting young people involved in their communities.

"Our children are the public transport users of the future having the chance to tell them about today’s network and our current plans, and then getting them to come up with their own ideas is a fantastic idea."

“I am looking forward to seeing the projects they come up with,” he added.

At the end of the ‘On the Move’ event, every pupil who took part was presented with a graduation certificate and goodie bag by Metro’s Director of Corporate Services Sheena Pickersgill, before tucking into a buffet lunch.