Back to school … and the buses

SCHOOL buses will restart journeys on Monday, as students return to classroom learning.

Secondary school students travelling to the Holt, Forest, and Emmbrook schools can use additional school buses on the 202 and 244.

Students travelling to Bohunt School can use the 92, 93 and 903.

While passenger numbers remain low, the Leopard 3 will not be increasing buses.

The additional services are returning, to help students keep to their own school groups during travel – as well as maintaining social distancing measures on the bus.

The council has issued advice to help young people use buses and trains safely.

It said anyone over 11 should wear a mask when waiting for, and travelling on the bus or train - unless exempt.

They should aim to use an electronic ticket where possible, to avoid touching machines.

And students are asked to be patient, and wait 15 minutes past the scheduled pick-up time before reporting buses that haven’t arrived.

On school buses, students are advised to fill from the back and leave from the front - and maintain social distancing where possible.

The council is encouraging students and staff to walk or cycle to school, if they can.

Cllr UllaKarin Clark, executive member for children’s services, said: “The risk of catching or spreading Covid19 is lower outdoors, making walking and cycling good choices for children and young people; not to mention the health and environmental benefits.

“Throughout the pandemic, our aim has always been to keep our residents as safe as possible, and this includes our youngest cohort.”

She said teams are continuing to follow safety measures on buses, and said the council will continue to support residents with a safe return to school.

■ For more information about school buses and public bus and rail services, visit: www.myjourneywokingham.com/bustravel