Reducing Virus Transmission Risk During Travel
This resource was last updated December, 2021.
Nearly every school district in the United States has struggled to establish protocols to reduce the risk of virus transmission for students who ride buses and use public transit. This problem affects students who travel to and from their school campus for the normal school day, and for out-of-school time or childcare activities. Travel can also be a limiting factor for schools that want to try outdoor learning, but do not have enough space on their own school grounds and would prefer to teach classes and school programs at a local park or other public space that is too far away from their campus to walk.
School policies regarding transportation to and from school will largely depend on the primary mode of transportation for students. For reducing viral transmission, the safest modes of transportation are walking, biking, or by personal vehicle. Different communities may have different access to these modes of transportation, and all share concerns for safety, parent/caregiver/guardian access and availability.
Note: Parents and guardians are encouraged to screen their child or children for symptoms before sending them to school. This applies regardless of the means of transportation used. See the recommendations from this resource on screening from the CDC.
Walking, Biking, and Other “Active Transport”
Existing efforts to promote more active forms of transportation offer great options during the COVID-19 pandemic. Walking school bus programs for elementary schools, or the addition of more crossing guards and bike racks, offer benefits including physical fitness, social connections, and a sense of belonging to a place. Local police departments can assist schools by arranging traffic and pedestrian safety protocols to foster traffic calming and walk zones.
During the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, seek to build on existing efforts such as Safe Routes to Schools, efforts to connect routes to destinations, and an abundance of other resources to boost active transport among children and families.
© Brooke Teller, Portland Public Schools, Portland, Maine
Students Who are Driven to School By Car
© Green Schoolyards America, Indianapolis, Indiana
If students are driven to school, the school may organize drop-off locations and/or times so that students can be dropped off at the door while limiting disruptions (e.g., to nearby roadways) and minimizing contact between students in different classes. Consider coordinating with local police departments.
After school, cars can line up in the parking lot or adjacent streets, and students can meet their parent/guardian at their car. This will reduce the number of people waiting at school doors. High schools may consider designating extra parking lots or street spaces for student parking if it is anticipated that more students will be using personal vehicles.
Buses and Public Transit
School Bus
Keep windows open on buses and wear masks. Ventilation is one of the most effective ways of reducing viral transmission and opening windows even a few inches can greatly increase the amount of ventilation inside the school bus. Students and the bus driver will need to dress appropriately while on the school bus, as windows should be cracked open even when the weather is cold outside and when it rains. If the bus must travel with the windows closed, do not use the air conditioner or heater, and be sure to use a specialized air purifier (as you would inside a classroom) to filter the virus from the enclosed space. Ensure that the bus drivers wear masks throughout their work day, including all of the time they are inside the bus and when they step off the bus to assist students with entering and exiting safely.
Schools may also consider hiring more buses or having buses complete multiple routes so that fewer students are on each bus, although we recognize this option presents massive financial, logistical, and equity challenges. Consider having an additional bus aide to ensure students maintain a safe distance, as long as it is possible for the aide to also maintain appropriate physical distance.
Depending on the routes and number of buses, some schools could consider designating a separate bus for each class group in order to maintain group distancing between students from different classes. Assigned seating could help facilitate physical distancing, with vacant seats clearly marked. For example, one student seated per bench on both sides of the bus, skipping every other row or one student seated per bench, alternating rows on each side to create a zigzag. Seating students starting from the back of the bus to the front could help maintain physical distancing. Some districts may also encourage (or require) students from the same households to sit together if seats are assigned, to help increase bus capacity without creating new close contacts.
A school bus waits to pick up children in Brooklyn, New York. © Green Schoolyards America
School buses wait to pick up children in Chicago, Illinois. © Green Schoolyards America
Public Transit
Schools where students take public transportation can start school before or after rush hour so students are not taking crowded buses and trains. This would reduce the risk of exposure for both students and other community members on public transportation.
Students should wear masks on public transportation and wash hands or use hand sanitizer immediately after exiting a subway or bus.
Entrance to a BART Station (Subway) in San Francisco, California. © Sharon Danks
Share Your Ideas
Ensuring healthy transportation options during the COVID-19 pandemic requires creativity, flexibility, and an eye toward active transit options like walking and biking, whenever possible. Look for existing resources and protocols that encourage active transport and leverage the support of community partners that can assist with traffic calming and creating safe routes to school.
If your school or district has come up with a creative way to promote healthy transportation options, please feel free to share it with us!
Bike parking area at a school in Alameda, California. © Green Schoolyards America
Related Resources
As your community grapples with reopening schools, you may find the following resources useful:
Researchers at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health have maintained an updated set of resources to guide schools as they make decisions about opening.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.(2020, November). Risk reduction strategies for reopening schools. Schools For Health. November 29, 2020
A bus transports children to a YMCA in Chicago, Illinois. © Green Schoolyards America
Credits
This article was written by Mary Michaud, MPP, Health & Social Impact Strategies, LLC in December 2020.
It was reviewed by Sarah Gill, MPP; Zach Pine, MD, Zach Pine Create with Nature; Betsy Ukeritis, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation; and Christina Vassallo, MSN, FNP-BC.
National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative
The National COVID-19 Outdoor Learning Initiative supports schools and districts around the country in their efforts to reopen safely and equitably using outdoor spaces as strategic, cost-effective tools to increase physical distancing capacity onsite and provide access to abundant fresh air. The Initiative seeks to equitably improve learning, mental and physical health, and happiness for children and adults using an affordable, time-tested outdoor approach to keeping schools open during a pandemic.
