What is a Walking School Bus?

A Walking School Bus is a school bus powered not by an engine but by legs.  Children don’t sit inside this bus – they walk in a group to and from school, with an adult ‘driver’ in the front and an adult ‘conductor’ at the rear.  
The bus travels along a set route to or from school, picking up or dropping off children along the way at designated ‘bus stops’. 

Bus stops can be meeting points along the route or each child’s front gate.  The service is free.  Every child is welcome to join the bus, even if their parents aren’t able to be drivers.

Road sense and safety is reinforced to the children every day in a fun manner under the guidance of the drivers and conductors.

The drivers and conductors are volunteer community members, usually school parents who receive training in road safety.  They are also insured as volunteers under the Council’s public liability policy and undergo a ‘Working with children’ check.  

The bus routes are chosen by the school, and each is audited by the Council to ensure safety.

Why run a Walking School Bus?

The benefits of the program are numerous and have been enjoyed by many school communities:

KIDS

• Have fun getting to and from school
• Have a chance to build friendships
• Get to know their neighbourhood and enjoy nature
• Feel more independent

PARENTS

• Like their kids being more active
• Save money and time
• Can be confident their children arrive on time and safely at school
• Enjoy the increased social connectedness

VOLUNTEERS

• Improve their fitness and general health and well being
• Make a rewarding community contribution
• Get to know other parents and children

SCHOOLS

• Perform better when kids arrive on time, alert and ready to learn
• Have less traffic congestion which helps to reduce pollution
• Enjoy improved parent engagement

THE COMMUNITY

• Benefits from a stronger sense of connectedness and a healthier environment
• Enjoys more people on the streets who are interested in the safety of the community