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Translink is encouraging pupils and parents to plan ahead and check travel arrangements as school services return from Tuesday 1 September. More than 60,000 pupils travel on bus and rail services every day, making the return to school one of the busiest periods of the year across the north'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. Translink has worked closely with the Education Authority to prepare for the return to school and ensure services are ready for increased demand.
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." He said, "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." McLean said safety remained the number one priority, adding, "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."
McLean said pupils eligible for free school transport and issued with a pupil smartpass should remember to tap their pass every time they board, which helps Translink understand travel demand and supports the efficient operation of school services. He said those not eligible for an EA Smartpass could avail of a range of ticket options offering value for regular travel, and that students returning to Year 13 could apply for a free yLink card, offering discounted bus and rail travel for everyone aged 16 to 23 in Northern Ireland. McLean added that pupils aged 13 to 16 could also avail of the free Translink Digital Travel ID Card, which allows them to securely prove their identity and age when travelling on the Translink network and entitles them to the child fare for all bus and rail journeys. He thanked parents, pupils and schools for their patience and support as services settle into the new school term.
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."
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. Further information is available at www.translink.co.uk/schoolservices or by contacting the Translink Contact Centre on 02890 666630.
