Ahead of the new school year, the Government is calling on students and staff to walk, cycle or use a scooter where possible.
On 8 August, the DfT announced local transport authorities will receive more than £40 million in funding to create new dedicated school and college transport for the autumn term.
This funding is designed to help create extra capacity – while also allowing ‘hundreds of thousands’ more students to use alternatives to public transport, while social distancing measures remain in place.
Gavin Williamson, education secretary, is calling on every staff member and student to plan now how they will get to school or college – and where possible, to walk or cycle.
Mr Williamson said: “While our public transport system has almost returned to full service, I know thousands of people will choose to get active and find alternative modes of transport, because with distancing measures still in place it is important that we all play our part to ensure everyone is able to get to school safely, and on time.
“For those that have no other option than public transport, this investment for local authorities will mean more students will be able to travel on dedicated home to school and college transport, creating even more capacity where it is needed most.”
The DfT has also announced further funding for the bus and light rail sectors to help increase services ahead of expected increase in public transport use in September.
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