Additional school bus services to continue
Additional bus services that ease the pressure and allow social distancing on busy routes during peak school start and finish times are to continue until Christmas.
Extra school and college transport buses that run in tandem with regular services were introduced in September on certain routes to ensure students and general passengers can all travel safely with adequate space and prevent full buses being forced to leave people behind.
Funding for the term which started on Monday (November 2) until the Christmas holidays has been secured from Tees Valley Combined Authority, through the Department for Education.
The list of additional services can be found at https://www.darlington.gov.uk/education-and-learning/school-years/school-travel-and-transport/ along with further advice about travelling to and from school.
Schools will remain open during the November lockdown and public transport will continue to operate to ensure students can access education and that travel is available to those who need it for work, shopping and medical appointments.
Councillor Andy Keir, cabinet member for local services, said: “The additional bus services provided since September have proved successful and mean that students can reach school or college without other passengers missing out on travelling at the time they need to.
“We would remind everyone that the wearing of face coverings is compulsory on all public transport for the duration of the journey. Given that we are going into another lockdown situation it is as important as ever that people follow the rules to keep their fellow passengers safe and keep the rates of infection down.
“We also continue to encourage parents and students to consider walking, cycling or scooting to school. Where that’s not possible, and a car is used, please park considerately and sensibly.”
If you need to use public transport - to travel to work for example - you should follow the safer travel guidance. This includes the rules on wearing face coverings and advice on car sharing.