The Walking Bus

Sounds a bit strange, but The Walking Bus is the latest and one of the most innovative forms of schools transport for children!

The Walking Bus is quite simply a number of children walking to or from school in group formation and supervised by volunteer parents who are prepared to act as a 'driver' and 'conductor' escorting the line of children on their school journey.

They walk along a set route collecting pupils at points or 'Bus Stops' on the way to the school.

Since the 'Bus' is powered by good old fashioned leg work, it promotes healthy exercise and by encouraging walking, it helps to reduce traffic congestion, pollution and noise all of which cause considerable damage to the environment and our children!

Most importantly there is an increased level of supervision for children which greatly reduces the risk of a road accident or some other unfortunate incident happening to a child.

Interested parents can work a supervisory rota system to help with The Walking Bus this frees up many parents time and gives peace of mind, with the knowledge that their children are under adult supervision.

Walking Bus project timetable

• Headteacher or interested group to discuss project with Road Safety Officer.
• Find out levels of interest amongst parents and children, including potential volunteers.
• Decide who will administer the Walking Bus (school, school board, PTA, etc.)
• Map out possible route using information from survey and prepare draft leaflet with assistance from the Road Safety Officer.
• Road Safety Oficer to contact appropriate Traffic and Transportation Team Leader to carry out risk assessment of route and finalise route leaflet details.
• Road Safety Officer to contact Strathclyde Police to carry our checks on volunteers for suitability.
• Meet with administrator(s) and volunteers to decide timings and appoint Route Co-ordinator from volunteers.
• Administrators to prepare application form and pro-forma letters of acceptance, behaviour reminders, etc. Set out chain of events or applications.
• Buy or find sponsorshiop for high visibility waistcoats.
• Once all paperwork is in place arrange training through the Road Safety Officer.
• New volunteers will require to be Police checked and trained prior to starting.
• Set start date
• Issue high visibility waistcoats with acceptance letters.
• Start Walking Bus. Monitor attandance / performance. 

If you are interested in starting, or getting involved in The Walking Bus, please contact your childs Head Teacher to discuss the idea further and get the support of other parents.

If your childrens school, or your school, has a Walking Bus up and running, please let us know and we will publish the route it on this page.

Please use the "Contact Us" box at the top right hand side of your screen if you have any questions .  Alternatively, you can use our online Comments form.