Transport bosses in South Yorkshire are urging pupils to plan ahead before returning to school and college next week.
From Monday 8 March there will be changes to local school and college services with many dedicated services reinstated to support the return to school and further education.
Find information about school services
“Last month, the government confirmed that all pupils will be returning to school next Monday and our priority is to ensure that every child and young person who relies on public transport can get to school or college safely and on time”, said South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive’s (SYPTE’s) Director of Customer Services, Tim Taylor.
“As social distancing guidelines are still in place and buses are running with reduced capacity, we’re asking students, parents and staff members to plan ahead and consider if they can get to school or college by walking, scooting or cycling instead.”
SYPTE is helping schools and colleges with the latest government safer travel advice and giving families and young people information about planning their journey.
Travel advice includes:
- Think about how you travel. Try cycling or walking where possible.
- Plan ahead. Check your journey before you travel.
- Leave extra time for your journey. With limited space on board there may be more demand for services at key times.
“Dedicated school buses will be running in some areas, they’ll be numbered between 400 and 700 to make it easier to identify them. Those buses will have larger capacity than general bus services under social distancing guidelines and students are asked to try to sit in their year group bubbles where possible. We’d also like to remind everyone that all passengers aged 11 and over are required to wear a face covering - unless they’re exempt – when using the public transport network, including dedicated school services and while walking through transport interchanges.”
“Students should also remember to always carry a travel pass, so they can travel for as little as 80p per journey on buses and trams”, concluded Tim.
From Monday 8 March, some local bus services in South Yorkshire will change to support schools returning.
Information about how to travel safely to protect yourself and others while using public transport