What is a walking school bus?
A walking school bus is just like a school bus except children walk to and from school under the supervision of adult volunteers, making the journey to school safer.
Adults (usually parents) are rostered as conductors to walk with and supervise the children, who are collected from stops along a planned route and dropped off at the school gate.
In Auckland, over 4,000 children regularly walk on a walking school bus, thus cutting down on traffic around schools.
A safe and healthy way to get to school
School communities are concerned about children’s safety on our roads, as well as their health and fitness. Many children are not getting enough exercise and obesity is a growing problem. Research shows children love taking part because they find it fun!
Benefits of the walking school bus
Safer, healthier, more active children
Practical road safety education for children
More chances for children and adults to make friends
Less traffic around schools
Environmentally friendly, energy efficient transport
Sponsored scheme, no cost to schools or parents.
How does it work?
Walking buses usually begin at 8.30am, but this depends on length of the route and the stop that the children get on at. Routes vary in length, usually about 1.5 km and/ or a maximum 30 minute walk. Most walking school buses walk the reverse route in the afternoon.
A walking school bus can operate all five days of the school week or as little as one day per week, depending on the availability of the parent volunteers.
Funding is available to help schools set up walking school buses. Each school is eligible for up to $500 per route. The money can be used for signs, wet weather clothing and other materials.
Starting a walking school bus
Starting a walking school bus requires an enthusiastic parent or other adult from the school who wants to be involved in setting up and coordinating a walking school bus route. If you think you are that person, contact your school principal and the local Auckland Transport area office.
Auckland Transport are able to provide all the assistance you need in getting the walking school bus going, including parent/volunteer training, funding, resources, checking the proposed route for safety and ongoing support to the route coordinator.