Since the start of the pandemic, transport across Greater Manchester has changed significantly, and it won’t be back to normal when our school fully reopens on Monday 8 March.

 

It’s important that you plan how your child will get to and from school and check the latest travel advice. You should also apply now for any tickets or passes you may need.

 

Please consider whether your child can walk or cycle to school – it can be a safe and healthy way for pupils to make shorter trips. New cycling and walking routes have been put in place across the region as part of the #SafeStreetsSaveLives project to make it safer and easier than ever to get about on foot or by bike. For the latest information on these improvements, visit the tfgm.com/safestreets.

 

If your child needs to use public transport to travel to school, please be aware that space may be limited on many services and timetables may have changed. TfGM’s Yellow School Bus services will be running without the usual pass system in place, meaning they will operate as regular school buses so any schoolchild can use them.

 

When travelling to school you or your child should check timetables in advance, allow extra time for their journeys in case their first service is full, and be patient with other passengers.

 

They also need to follow safe travel guidance and take responsibility for keeping themselves and other passengers safe:

 

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

 

Children aged 11 to 16 must have an igo card to travel using a child ticket on buses in Greater Manchester. It can also be used as proof of age for travelling by tram, and child Metrolink tickets are available for igo at getmethere.com. Some bus tickets are only available to buy using igo as a smart card, even for those under 11, as tickets are loaded onto the igo card instead of giving a paper ticket. The card costs £10 and is valid until 31 August after the child’s 16th birthday.

 

If you have to drive your child to school and/or pick them up, please switch off your engine when waiting to reduce air pollution. Remember, there is not space on school grounds for you to park until after 3:15pm. Consider parking further away and walking the last part of your journey. You and your child should avoid sharing a car with anyone outside your household or support bubble if you can. If this isn’t possible, you should open the windows, wear a face covering unless exempt and sit as far away from the driver and other passengers as you can.

 

TfGM has created a Back to School hub at tfgm.com/schools where you can find the latest information on safe travel guidance and advice, timetables, tickets and passes, and further information on cycling and walking.