PARENTS and pupils returning to school in September are being urged to cycle, walk or scoot to school if they can.

Transport for Greater Manchester is advising those on the school run to free up space on public transport for people who need it for longer journeys.

If public transport is necessary, TfGM asks that people plan ahead and make sure they are aware of any changes which have been introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Capacity may be limited on many services and timetables could also be different, so waiting times could be longer.

Yellow School Buses will run without a pass system in place, meaning they will operate as regular school buses, so any schoolchild can use them.

Parents of children moving up from primary to secondary school, who plan to use public transport, are advised to apply for an TfGM igo card as soon as possible.

The card enables children aged 11 to 16 to use a child ticket on buses in Greater Manchester.

Those who choose to drive their children to school are asked to switch off their engines when waiting outside schools to reduce air pollution.

Sean Dyball, head of customer engagement at TfGM, said: “When schools return this September, parents and pupils need to be fully aware that travel hasn’t returned to normal.

“Our advice would be to travel on foot or by bike where possible, as this is a safe and healthy way to get to and from school.

“If you do need to travel to school by public transport, it is available, but you do need to plan ahead, apply for any passes you need now, check timetables in advance and be aware that capacity may be limited.”