Passengers reminded to think, check and travel safely this September as South Yorkshire returns to school and work.
Transport bosses are advising passengers returning to school, college or work across South Yorkshire this September to check before they travel, as changes to some bus services come into effect between Sunday 30 August and Tuesday 1 September 2020.
Extra dedicated school buses and coaches, funded by the government, will be running from the start of the new academic year, following consultation with schools, colleges and parents across the region. Many bus services on the general network will also see timetables reinstated to run close to pre-COVID-19 levels, as more people go back to work when schools reopen. Changes have also been made to accommodate school journeys and in response to customer feedback.
South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive’s (SYPTE) Director of Customer Services, Tim Taylor, says: “Our priority is making sure that every child can get to school safely and on time this September. That’s why we are encouraging all passengers - pupils, families and people returning to work - to plan ahead and think about how and when they travel. And to consider active options like walking and cycling, if they can. Particularly for short journeys to school.
“We want passengers to be confident they can travel by public transport, safely. But, services will be different while social distancing is still in place, and capacity on buses, trams and trains reduced.
“We will be providing extra dedicated school bus and coach services, and additional local buses, to help pupils that rely on public transport to get to school and college. These services will be essential to meet anticipated demand. Allowing more passengers to travel safely, while easing pressure on South Yorkshire’s public transport network.
“We are also reminding passengers that they must wear a face covering while using public transport, in stations or interchanges, and on dedicated school buses or coaches, if age 11 or older. Remember to keep a safe distance wherever possible and use hand sanitiser before and after travel. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 should not use public transport.”
New timetables for the general bus network are now available online and details of dedicated school bus and coach services can be found below:
View the new timetables for the general bus network
Find out more on the dedicated school bus services
Families can find all the information they need about travelling to and from school or college safely and read more about staying safe on public transport below:
Find out more about school or college travel
Find out more about staying safe on public transport
Customers can also get the latest information by calling Traveline on 01709 515151 between 7am and 7pm on weekdays and between 8am and 7pm at weekends or via Travel South Yorkshire’s social media channels.