Metro Vancouver students once again have a healthier way to get to school with the return of the Walking School Bus (WSB). The program will be offered at seven schools in the fall, with more schools expected to join in the new year.
Like a traditional school bus, a WSB consists of students travelling to and from school along a designated route, picking up or dropping off students along the way. However, instead of being powered by an engine, the bus is powered by walking students. Students are accompanied by trained Walk Leaders to ensure safety.
"Building healthy habits at an early age can have a tremendous positive impact," says TransLink CEO Kevin Quinn. "Through this program, students are staying active, making new friends, reducing traffic congestion, learning about their communities and pedestrian safety."
The Walking School Bus is part of a broader strategy called TravelSmart For Kids, which encourages and enables children aged 12 and under to travel by active and sustainable modes of transportation, including access to free transit in partnership with the Province's Get on Board! initiative. The WSB program is co-funded by TransLink, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, participating municipalities, and school districts. It is being delivered by the Society of Children and Youth, a nonprofit organization.
"This program helps children learn safe and healthy practices for getting around their community." says Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Rob Fleming. "By reducing traffic near schools and connecting classmates, more children will feel comfortable walking to and from school."
During the 2023-24 school year, the Walking School Bus travelled a total of 14,400 kilometres across Metro Vancouver.
These seven schools will have a Walking School Bus program starting in the fall:
More information:
Walking School Bus video
