Information for students

Stay safe, stay apart. Check before you travel.

As lockdown eases across the country, it is important to remember that there are still restrictions in place when using public transport.

Students should prepare for a different journey to and from school or college when sites reopen and all students return.

Cycling and Walking

During lockdown, people have been cycling more for leisure and in some places, there has been a 70% rise in the number of people using bicycles for exercise or travel.

If you live near the place where you study, now may be a good time to consider cycling or walking to and from your school or college.

Over the coming months, lots of road layouts around the region will be changing, with some temporary cycle routes being set up by local authorities.  It’s important to check your journey if you are going to cycle to school or college and look at quieter routes away from fast traffic - visit www.cyclestreets.net to plan your journey.

Local bike shops are now reopening and many offer a service to check your bike to make sure everything is working properly. Find out more about cycle shops, clubs and local providers.  

Many education sites have cycle storage and scooter hubs on-site for students. Speak to your teachers to find out where the cycle parking is located at your school or college.

If you live close to where you study, walking can also be a good option – you get to stay in the open air and feel refreshed and ready to start a day at school or college.

If you want to plan your route to school or college on foot you can use Google Maps.

Public Transport

Social distancing means that capacity on public transport is limited and you should only be using it when there is no other travel option available.

We have created a series of videos to show you how things have changed:

Safer Travel, what does a bus journey look like now?

Safer Travel, what does a metro journey look like now?

West Midlands Trains, getting through our stations.

When making journeys on public transport follow these guidelines:

• When waiting at stops or stations always stay two metres apart from other passengers and don’t sit next to someone in a shelter. Leave at least a one-seat gap between you and other passengers.
• Face coverings must be worn for the full duration of journeys on public transport – there are easy ways to make one or you can just use a scarf as long as your nose and mouth are covered.
• Try not to crowd around the doors when getting on board, leaving space for people to get off before you get on the bus, train or tram
• Where applicable use a travel card such as a term pass or Swift ticket or use mobile, smartcard, or contactless payments to reduce the amount of cash needing to be handled.
• Stay a safe distance from drivers and conductors and don’t sit on the seats behind them.
• You can sit altogether if you’re travelling with people from your own family or household but sit separately from other passengers if you are travelling alone.
• Limit the surfaces you touch while on board and do not touch your face until you can wash or sanitise your hands.
• If you do cough or sneeze, please catch it in a tissue or the crook of your arm and use hand sanitizer straight away. Dispose of the tissue as soon as possible.
• Remember to wash your hands as soon as you get to school or college and when you get home.
• Allow extra time to travel to school or college in case you need to wait a bit longer to get on the bus, train or tram.
• Plan your journey and check when your services are running at wmnetwork.co.uk

We want public transport to continue to be safe and reliable and get you to where you need to go safely and easily.

Please be reassured that cleaning has been enhanced on all buses, trains and trams.  All shelters and stops are being cleaned on a regular basis with a standby cleaning team able to attend if needed. Cleaning regimes in bus, tram and rail stations have also been increased and our travel and ticket shops will be deep cleaned twice a day.

There are certain medical and physical conditions that allow you not to wear a face covering. View face coverings guidance. On this page, you will also find information on how to apply for an exemption card or badge.

Save money and get involved

Discover the cheapest and easiest way to travel, including information on journey planning, ticket advice and any travel questions you have. We can also help you prove to the driver or conductor that you’re eligible for cheaper fares by getting an Under 16 or 16-18 Photocard.

We can help all year long. We can arrange to visit schools, colleges and universities throughout the year to talk to groups of students in class, assembly or at any education site events. If you would like to find out more please contact education@tfwm.org.uk 

We have a range of information available:

• View information for under 16
• View information for between 16 and 18
• View information for over 18 and in full time education

Contact us

Education Team

Email: education@tfwm.org.uk

Tel: 0345 303 6760