18 September 2001

Auckland City’s Walking School Bus scheme got a significant boost from an appropriate sponsor – the bus operator Stagecoach.

The Walking School Bus involves children walking to school under the supervision of volunteer parents – a ‘driver’ and a ‘conductor’ – supervising the walkers.

Children join the bus at designated bus stops along the route. The driver and conductor wear a sash with the sponsor’s, the bus’ and the school’s name and each passenger has a bag tag.

The scheme is running at three Auckland primary schools and it is hoped the Stagecoach sponsorship will enable several more schools to join the programme.

The Mayor of Auckland Chris Fletcher, who today received a $10,000 sponsorship cheque from Stagecoach New Zealand Executive Chairman, Ross Martin, said the council couldn’t have asked for a better sponsor.

“It’s great to see the real bus company supporting our children’s Walking School Bus,” said Mrs Fletcher. “This programme is a safe alternative to car use and it helps reduce Auckland’s traffic congestion.”

Mr Martin said the Walking School Bus programme was an attractive sponsorship to Stagecoach.

It encourages better safety at the school gate for children with fewer cars dropping off and picking up students.

“There is also little doubt that such a scheme is a great forerunner to real school bus use that children will encounter as they move through their schooling life,” said Mr Martin.

Auckland City is holding on-going workshops for schools who are interested in setting up a Walking School Bus programme. Four schools are currently setting up new buses.

ENDS

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