TfL have sent us details of their transport plans for the return of schools in September. They are asking schools and parents to encourage children to travel to school by walking, cycling or scooting wherever possible, but TfL are making changes to the bus network from 01 September, to accommodate children travelling in this way –

• Add extra buses to some of the busiest low-frequency routes, for schoolchildren to travel on.
• Designate some existing regular buses as School Services, which would be prioritised for school travel and would operate at full seated capacity, as is permitted by Government guidelines for school bus services. Signs would clearly indicate that these are School Services.
• In consequence, journeys for other customers may take longer during school travel times (generally 07:30 to 09:30 and 14:30 to 16:30).
• Schoolchildren travelling without adults should travel on the designated school services where these are provided.
• Customers aged 11 and over are required to wear a face covering when using public transport services (including school services) or stations, or taxi and private hire services, unless they are exempt on health or equality grounds.
• Regular services will continue to have lower capacity limits to support social distancing, in line with Government guidelines.

The planned service changes are proposed to remain in place until at least the end of October, although this could be subject to change. Further details, including a list of routes affected by these proposals, can be found tfl.gov.uk/reopeningeducation  .

Please note that there will be no changes to fares and ticketing for children in September. The Government has asked TfL to temporarily suspend free travel for 11-17 year olds as part of their funding agreement but the implementation of this is presently under discussion.

By Editor on 27th August 2020   /   News   /   Leave a comment