The Walking Bus
The latest form of school transport is the 'walking bus'. This
comprises two volunteer parents who, acting as 'driver
'and 'conductor', escort a line of children on their journey to school.
They walk along a set route collecting pupils at 'bus stops'
on the way.
Since it is powered by good old fashioned leg work, it promotes
healthy exercise and by encouraging walking, it can also reduce
traffic and thus pollution near the school.  With
parents working a rota system to take children to school, they
gain more time for themselves while at the same time allowing
their children more independence.
The school and parents need to be very committed to the idea
if they wish to start up a walking bus. They can do most of
the work themselves but will need support from Hertfordshire
County Council Environment Department. The Walking Bus is one initiative out of many being piloted
in Hertfordshire under the 'Safer Routes To School' project.
The scheme has been devised jointly by Mouchel TSC - a civil
engineering consultancy - and Hertfordshire County Council Environment
Department. |
