Your County - Putting Kent First

Kent 4 star Council

Contacts

Kent Highway Services
Kent County Council
Invicta House
County Hall
Maidstone
Kent ME14 1XX

Telephone icon08458 247 800

Email icon kent.highwayservices @kent.gov.uk

Walking Buses

A Walking Bus is the name for a supervised group of children walking to or from school.

It is made up of at least two adult volunteers, who act as a 'driver' and a 'conductor' to escort the children. Adults and children all wear high-visibility waistcoats.

The bus follows a set route and 'walks' along a defined route to a published timetable. Children can join or leave the bus at set points along the route.


Each school decides when their Walking Buses operate. A Walking Bus doesn't have to operate on both mornings and afternoons, nor does it have to run every day.

For more information visit the Kent and Medway Walking Bus (link opens in a new window) or read the Kent Highway Services Walking Bus Guidelines.

What are the benefits of a Walking bus?


Walking Buses can benefit children, parents, the school and the local community by:

  • developing pedestrian and social skills
  • promoting healthy exercise
  • saving time for parents
  • developing children's independence in a supervised environment
  • reducing traffic congestion around schools
  • improving air quality.

How can my school set up a Walking Bus?

Your headteacher needs to:

  • find out how much interest there is among parents as they will ultimately be responsible for the success of a Walking Bus scheme
  • make contact with your School Travel Planner or The Kent and Medway Walking Bus Group (link opens in a new window) who will help you set up and promote the scheme.

Copyright Kent County Council 2008