A NEW booklet could cut school run congestion.

Children who have just started secondary school have been given tips on how to reach their school by public transport thanks to the issue of 26,000 copies to 10-11 years olds at the end of the school year.

The guide is the first of its kind to encourage children to use buses, trains and trams to reach school.

The booklet, aimed at pupils and their parents, teaches children how to read a timetable, how to plan their journey to and from school and which stop or station to get off at. It also gives safety and ticket advice along with details about what to do if they lose something on public transport, see vandalism being carried out or have a problem using the service.

GMPTE's Strategy Director, Keith Howcroft, said: "Starting secondary school can be a worrying time for some children, especially if they're also having to use public transport on their own for the first time. We hope this booklet will help them travel confidently.

"There are many benefits for pupils who choose to use public transport to get to school and it can help reduce the impact of the school run on rush hour traffic as well. Children are also likely to grow in confidence about using it in their free time as well."

Any parents or children who haven't seen a copy of the "Using buses, trains and trams to get to school" booklet can obtain one from GMPTE by calling 0161-242 6040.