TfGM recommends planning ahead for back to school travel

Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) is advising parents and pupils to plan ahead for how they will travel to school in September and to cycle, walk where they can.

TfGM is advising parents to look for new cycling and walking routes put in place as part of the #SafeStreetsSaveLives project to make active travel safer across Greater Manchester. Those intending to use public transport should also be reminded to ensure they are aware of any changes to services brought about due to the pandemic, and that capacity on services is likely to be reduced due to social distancing guidance.

Pupils using public transport will also need to follow safe travel guidance and take responsibility for keeping themselves and others safe. They should:

• Wear a face covering on-board and in stations and interchanges, unless they’re under 11 or are exempt for another reason;
• Keep their distance from other passengers where possible;
• Clean their hands regularly; and
• Use contactless payment or exact change only where possible.

If parents have to drive their children to or from school, they are asked to switch off their engine when waiting outside schools to reduce air pollution and consider parking further away and walking the last part of the journey.

Sean Dyball, Head of Customer Engagement at TfGM, said:

When schools return this September, parents and pupils need to be fully aware that travel hasn’t returned to normal.

“Our advice would be to travel on foot or by bike where possible, as this is a safe and healthy way to get to and from school.

“If you do need to travel to school by public transport, it is available, but you do need to plan ahead, apply for any passes you need now, check timetables in advance and be aware that capacity may be limited.

“When travelling to school, you should allow extra time for your journeys in case your first service is full, be patient with other passengers and take responsibility for keeping yourself and others safe.

“We want all our passengers to be able to travel safely and have worked with operators across Greater Manchester to make this possible with enhanced cleaning regimes, hand sanitising stations, extra services and passenger information and signage.”