SCHOOL might be back in but parents are still being cautious about how their children are getting there during COVID-19, with many opting to use private, rather than public transport.
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While students returned to their normal school routines last month, fewer are catching the bus, resulting in increased congestion around schools, and prompting a warning from police for drivers to exercise extra caution, when travelling through school zones.
As a result, some schools have reviewed their drop-off and pick up policies; Eglinton Public, have introduced staggered drop off and pick up times for students arriving by car, while other schools' pick up and drop off areas are under increased supervision.
Michelle McGrath, manager of Bathurst Bus Lines, said while school bus services are running, and have continued to do so throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, patronage is down.
"[We're running at] about 60 per cent, but it is building up," he said.
While school buses have continued to operate as normal, Ms McGrath said Bathurst Bus Lines had introduced additional cleaning for all buses, and have followed the advice of NSW Transport, to ensure everyone's well being.
"We've introduced additional cleaning and sanitising of touch points after every shift (twice per day), as well as isolating the seats adjacent to the bus driver."
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She said while school travel figures had fallen, the normal town bus runs have remained as busy as ever.
Head of Scots All Saints College, John Weeks, said while the mode of transport for students did not appear to have changed, hygiene procedures around school transport have improved in line with Government directives.
The college runs three daily direct private bus runs to and from school from Blayney, Orange, Millthorpe.
"Every student is required to use hand sanitiser when entering our buses and to spread out when they can. Hygiene and cleanliness procedures have been stepped up with key 'touch' surfaces cleaned daily," he said.
"Local bus companies have provided information to assure our college and parents of how they are maintaining a high level of cleanliness and safety.
In addition to this, Mr Weeks said the college has also implemented a new kiss, drop off process, which he said, was working well.
"Parents are to stay in the car or walk their children safely to the gate and then depart the school grounds to maintain social distancing," he said.
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