Public transport services across Greater Sydney will be ramped up to support the safe return of students to the classroom from the beginning of next week.
Returning school students will have access to more than 3,400 dedicated bus services a week and additional train services will be added for school commuting peak times.
The COVIDSafe Transport Plan remains in place with green physical distancing dots and enhanced cleaning across the network. Face masks are mandatory on public transport for anyone aged over 12.
All dedicated school bus services will be operational and train services will run on a Saturday timetable, with additional services during school peak hours.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the transport plan would ensure students could return to face-to-face learning safely.
“The Government is working to support the safe return of students to the classroom, and public transport will play a key role in that,” Mr Perrottet said.
“Dedicated school buses will operate the same as they did pre-pandemic and additional train services will run during school peak hours to keep students moving.
“The COVIDSafe Transport Plan remains in place with green physical distancing dots and enhanced cleaning continuing across our public transport network.”
Transport for NSW has worked with NSW Health and the Department of Education on the plans in consultation with schools.
No school student will be turned away from any public transport service, even if it means physical distancing will not always be possible.
Minister for Transport David Elliott said non-dedicated school public transport services such as ferries and light rail, which some students still use, will continue to run to a reduced timetable given the reduced demand from other commuters for such services.
“Face masks remain mandatory for children aged 12 years and older on any public transport service, which will help keep students and our frontline workers safe,” Mr Elliott said.
“Many families rely on public transport to get kids to and from school safely, and our frontline workers have stepped up and delivered for them throughout the pandemic.”
Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward said all drivers needed to pay close attention to school zones, with an influx of students in drop off and pick up areas.
“It’s the responsibility of every single person behind the wheel to be aware of pedestrians and drive safely,” Mrs Ward said.
Transport for NSW is working with schools directly where timetable changes may affect any dedicated services in the event of COVID-related impacts.
Students using public transport to get to school are encouraged to allow extra travel time, tap on and off with their Opal card and to plan ahead at transportnsw.info/trip.