Back to school: Key Translink travel advice for pupils and parents ahead of September return

Families across Northern Ireland are being urged to check school travel arrangements now, with more than 60,000 pupils expected to use bus and rail services each day when school services return from Tuesday 1 September.

Translink says the beginning of the new school year is one of the busiest periods on the public transport network and is advising pupils and parents to check timetables in advance, allow extra time during the first few weeks and make sure pupil Smartpasses are used correctly.

The practical message for families is simple: plan the journey before the first morning back rather than waiting until pupils are heading out the door.

Extra time advised as school services return

Travel patterns can take several weeks to settle as pupils begin new journeys and demand increases across bus and rail services.

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.”

Translink has been working with the Education Authority (EA) in preparation for the new term and the expected increase in demand.

Safety warning over phones and headphones

Pupils are also being reminded to pay particular attention around buses, trains, roads, stations and platforms.

Translink has highlighted mobile phones and headphones as potential distractions which can reduce young people’s awareness of hazards, particularly when boarding or leaving services and crossing roads.

Mr McLean said:

“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 reminded to tap their Smartpass

Children who are eligible for free school transport and have been issued with an EA pupil Smartpass should tap the pass every time they board.

According to Translink, recording those journeys helps it understand passenger demand and operate school services more efficiently.

Mr McLean added:

“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.”

There are also options available for young people who do not qualify for an EA Smartpass.

Students returning to Year 13 can apply for a free yLink card, offering discounted bus and rail travel for people aged 16 to 23 across Northern Ireland.

Pupils aged 13 to 16 can obtain a free Translink Digital Travel ID Card, allowing them to securely prove their identity and age when travelling and access the child fare on bus and rail journeys.

Education Authority urges families to prepare

Tracy Kennedy, Director of Transport at the Education Authority, said preparations had been made with Translink ahead of pupils returning to classrooms.

“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 can check individual school services and journey times using the Translink Journey Planner app or the School Services section of the Translink website.

School services information here.

Translink Contact Centre: 028 9066 6630

With tens of thousands of pupils returning to public transport at the same time, checking the route and timetable before Tuesday — and leaving a little extra time during the opening weeks — could help families avoid an unnecessarily stressful start to the new school year.