Travel guidance for schools

Since the lockdown began, students across the country have been prevented from going to school to help control the virus and save lives. The Government is committed to ensuring that all students can safely return to school and are working to make sure transport is not a barrier to people accessing the education they deserve. 

The government has outlined the many ways students can travel to school.  They say that In the first instance, students are encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot to school if they can and if they live a short distance (2 miles or less) from their school or further education college.  This will help to reduce pressure on the public transport network for those who need it most.  If students aren’t able to walk, cycle or scoot, they can use public transport or drive to get to their school or college. 

If parents or students are car-sharing with someone outside of their support bubble or family, they should share with the same people each time, open the windows for ventilation and wear a face covering if they are over 11 years old and are not exempt.  

If students are using public transport, they should continue to follow government guidelines to ensure they can travel safely on the network. They should plan their journey in advance and allow more time to get to their school or college. 

London Transport is committed to helping London's schools and colleges reopen safely in September 2020. This is part of their plan to get London moving and working again, safely and sustainably, as quickly as possible.

They will also prioritise some of their bus services for school travel. Government guidance allows for all seats to be occupied on these 'school services', doubling capacity, which is currently limited due to necessary social distancing.

These 'school services' will be clearly signed and are planned to operate on:

• All their existing school services

• Every other bus on key routes from 07:30-09:30 and 14:30-16:30 on weekdays

• Some additional buses on less frequent routes

They will  ask students travelling without adults to travel on the designated school services where these are provided, in order to help ensure space for customers on other services. 

Watch this video for more travel information for children getting ready to start secondary school in September.

A reminder that students must also wear face coverings on public transport  unless exempt for age (under 11 years), health or equality reasons - including on the 'school services'. Students should also wash and sanitise their hands regularly. 

For more information visit Travel Guidance for Schools, the Back to School Campaign and the Safer Travel Toolkit.