As London's schoolchildren return to the classroom, Transport for London (TfL) will reintroduce measures similar to those introduced during the autumn term. These include providing hundreds of extra buses, reintroducing the system of signed 'School Service' buses and encouraging walking and cycling. The measures will help ensure children can travel to school safely, sustainably and on time - with free travel for children and young people still in place.

TfL's extensive efforts to reduce the risk of infection on the network continue, including the enhanced cleaning regime deployed at the start of the pandemic and the enforcement of face coverings.

Those who are able to walk, cycle or scoot to school are again encouraged to do so, with TfL continuing to work with the boroughs to create the extra space needed to make walking and cycling safer and easier. More than 300 School Streets have been created across London, which involve timed restrictions on motorised traffic outside schools to make walking and cycling safer and easier, as well as enabling social distancing. Nearly 100km of new or upgraded cycle lanes are also either complete or under construction across London so far, which are enabling people of all ages and abilities to feel more confident when making essential journeys by bike. 

Cycle routes and more cycle parking are being created to facilitate cycling, while TfL's online Cycle Skills course is a useful resource for new and existing cyclists, including children.

The measures will be kept in place at least until the end of the current term and will be kept under review. Plans for the summer term will be confirmed closer to the time.

For more information, please see here.