Thousands of extra services will continue to run across the public transport network with almost 200,000 students expected back on the network from tomorrow when classes start for Term 3.
Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the extra 3,300 services added to the network last month will be retained to provide more options and space for customers.
“More than 4.4 million trips were taken by school students during Term 2 and with similar numbers expected during Term 3 it is crucial there are plenty of transport options for the community,” Mr Constance said.
“Based on current physical distancing requirements, retaining these extra services will provide more than 126,000 extra spaces on trains and 93,000 extra spaces on buses across each week.
“Transport has an important role to play in getting students back to school and we want to assure the community we are working hard to support their return.
“People are also reminded that no school student will be turned away from any public transport service.”
Mr Constance said a new point-to-point vehicle sanitisation station at Prestons has also been fast-tracked following an increase in COVID-19 cases in Western Sydney
“The new station will allow taxi and rideshare vehicles to be sanitised so the industry can help keep drivers and passengers safe during COVID-19.”
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins said the COVIDSafe Transport Plan is in full swing, with increased cleaning, green physical distancing dots, additional staff and extra services still in place to support customers.
“It is more important than ever to find those green physical distancing dots for the safest places to sit and stand on the network,” Mr Collins said.
“We also want everyone to consider their travel options for getting to and from school, work places and other activities, including walking and cycling where possible.”
“All customers need to continue practising good hygiene while on all public transport which includes staying home if they are feeling unwell.”
Road users are reminded to take extra care as activity around schools increases this week.
“As we are asking everyone to consider their travel options, including driving, this is not the time to be complacent about road safety,” Mr Collins said.
“School zones are back in force on Monday 20 July so motorists are reminded to look out for children around schools and take extra care as more children may be walking and cycling.”
“I’d like to again thank frontline staff for their efforts in getting students back to school safely,” Mr Constance said
“Our customers have done a great job during this challenging time and we need to continue to work together to keep public transport COVID safe.”