Council is helping Nottinghamshire get back to school and back on the move

All 337 schools across the county have now reopened, with appropriate measures in place, following national public health guidance.

Transport services have been adapted where necessary, to ensure they meet the latest guidance, as advised by the government, with different arrangements for public bus services and dedicated school services.

The council provides more than 150 mainstream school transport services across Nottinghamshire and approximately 450 transport services for children and young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities).

In total, the council’s dedicated school transport network serves 7,500 pupils and students every day.

The council has added 20 extra buses to the network, with routes split up where needed, so they only serve a single school.

Social distancing on public transport means that bus services are running at half capacity, putting extra pressure on the network.

Commercial operators are being supported by funding from the government and council, to run extra services as needed and the council has also introduced more buses on to busy routes.

Coun John Cottee, communities and place committee chairman said: “Schools and our transport services have done a terrific job as we get into the start of the new term, to keep things running smoothly.

“It’s important for children to return to school, not just so they can learn, but also for their wellbeing, so they can socialise with people their own age, and have a sense of routine.

“We’re doing all we can to keep the transport network running well to support this, and we’re confident that schools and colleges are safe environments, where risk is minimal.

"We’ll continue to keep a close eye on things, and step in where necessary to keep things moving.

“I’d urge people to walk or cycle to school if they can, or if they do need to drive, to ‘park and stride’, so walking the last part of the journey on foot to reduce congestion .”

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