TRANSLINK is encouraging pupils and parents to plan ahead and check travel arrangements as school services return from Tuesday 1st September.
With more than 60,000 pupils travelling on bus and rail services every day, the return to school marks one of the busiest periods of the year across Northern Ireland's public transport network.
To support a safe return to school, parents and pupils are being encouraged to check timetables before the new term starts, allow extra time for journeys during the first few weeks, and remember to tap their Smartpass every time they travel.
Chris McLean, Translink's Director of Commercial Operations, said: “Starting a new school year is an important and often busy time for families, and our teams are ready to welcome pupils back on board.
“The first few weeks of term are always particularly busy as travel patterns settle. We would encourage everyone to plan ahead, check journey details before travelling and allow a little extra time where possible.
“Safety remains our number one priority. We are reminding all pupils to stay alert when travelling and to take extra care around buses, trains, roads, stations and platforms. Distractions such as mobile phones and headphones can reduce awareness of potential hazards, so we encourage young people to stay vigilant, particularly when boarding, getting off services or crossing roads.
“Pupils who are eligible for free school transport and have been issued with a pupil smartpass should remember to tap their pass every time they board. This helps us understand travel demand and supports the efficient operation of school services.
“For those who are not eligible for an EA Smartpass, we offer a range of ticket options providing excellent value for regular travel. Students returning to Year 13 can also apply for a free yLink card, which offers discounted bus and rail travel for everyone aged 16 to 23 across Northern Ireland.
“Pupils aged 13-16 can also avail of the free Translink Digital Travel ID Card which enables them to securely prove their identity and age when travelling across the Translink network and entitles them to the child fare for all bus and rail journeys.
“We would like to thank parents, pupils and schools for their patience and support as services settle into the new school term.”
Parents, guardians and pupils are encouraged to use the Journey Planner app or visit the School Services section of the Translink website to check timetables and plan journeys before travelling.
Translink has worked closely with the Education Authority to prepare for the return to school and ensure services are ready for increased demand.
Tracy Kennedy, Director of Transport at the Education Authority, said: “The start of a new school year is an important time for pupils, families and school communities across Northern Ireland. We work closely with Translink throughout the year to help ensure eligible pupils can access safe, reliable transport to and from school. We encourage parents and pupils to plan ahead, make use of available travel information and remind young people to travel safely at all times. We wish all pupils a positive and successful start to the new academic year.”
For information on school services, journey planning and ticket options, download the Journey Planner app, visit the School Services section of the Translink website at www.translink.co.uk/schoolservices or contact the Translink Contact Centre on 02890 666630.
