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A walking school bus (WSB) is a group of parents who walk with a group of children to and from school. Children are 'picked up' and 'dropped off' at specific stops on a designated route by parent volunteers who act as 'drivers'. North Shore City has around 95 walking school buses operating all over the city that offer children a fun, social and healthy way to get to and from classes. Parents take part on a rostered basis. WSBs are often set up as a part of a school travel plan however, your school can easily set one up without having a travel plan. The council is happy to help and funding is available to schools to help set up walking buses.
Short journeys by car produce a particularly high amounts of harmful air emissions and vehicles contribute to polluting waterways through stormwater run-off from our roads. Reducing the number of cars not only means cleaner air, beaches, rivers and streams but also fewer greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Nowadays, many children are not getting enough exercise for good health, and obesity is a growing problem. Walking to and from school are positive and easy ways for children to get exercise. And research shows children love taking part in a WSB. They find it fun!
Schools operating a walking school bus Funding is available from Auckland Regional Transport Authority (ARTA) to assist schools in establishing WSBs across the Auckland region. Each school is eligible for up to $1,500 per route. The money can be used for safety vests, signs, wet weather clothing and other materials needed.
Useful links For more information, please contact Actionline and ask to speak with our road safety co-ordinator for walking school buses.
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A safe and healthy way to get to school
Walking School Bus route maps 
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