As schools return in September, buses, as the most common transport mode for school children, are likely to see the biggest increase in demand.

To help manage this TfL are introducing changes to buses during term time on weekdays from 07:30 - 09:30 and 14:30 - 16:30 that will help with safe travel:

• dedicating a number of existing buses for school travel only on routes with a frequent service that are likely to be the busiest. These buses will have clear signs to differentiate them from regular bus services and information will be posted at bus stops and online,
• adding over 200 extra dedicated School Service buses on some of the busiest routes with less frequent services. This includes adding buses to existing school bus services. These measures have been prioritised for routes on which students travel longer distances.

Parents / Carers, students and school staff are encouraged  to plan ahead, to walk, cycle, scoot or use public transport for their journeys where possible. While TfL are running a normal service on weekdays on public transport, social distancing reduces the number of people they can carry, so those who can are advised to travel during quieter off-peak times, and allow more time if travelling by bus during school travel times. 

More than 3,000 schools have been advised on encouraging active travel, staggered start and end times and Government safe travel advice, with bespoke plans for those schools served by the busiest bus routes for school travel.  A new dedicated webpage for education providers gives the latest advice and useful resources for schools to encourage safe and sustainable travel among their pupils

(https://tfl.gov.uk/info-for/schools-and-young-people/travel-guidance-for-schools?cid=reopeningeducation).