Getting started
Setting up and coordinating a walking school bus requires enthusiastic parents and whānau from your school. If you'd like to help out, we'd be happy to hear from you.
If you're setting up a new route, you'll get support and training to help get you started and to keep the bus going.
To set up or volunteer on a walking school bus, get in touch for more details.
Available support
We'll help you get started with your walking school bus and can assist along the way. We can offer:
- ongoing volunteer training
- a safety audit of your proposed route
- 'Join us' flyers
- a resource pack including high visibility vests, bus tickets, clippers, umbrellas, ponchos, bag tags
- promotion within your school to attract interest
- meetings with volunteers from other local schools
- support with funding applications when you're set up
- special courses — such as child first aid.
Being a volunteer
Learn what it's like to be part of a walking school bus. We've highlighted what's required, some of the things coordinators need to agree on and stories from our volunteers.
There are some basic road safety guidelines that volunteers should follow when leading a walking school bus. This includes making sure you wear your high visibility vest.
When the responsibility of getting children to and from school is shared among a group of parents and whānau, it can lead to more free time for everyone.
For example, if you are one of 5 volunteers and your bus operates in the morning on school days, you:
- get to spend more time with your child and their friends one morning a week
- have 4 days to get to work or other commitments without the stress of school drop off.
Set up a roster
Volunteers create a roster to share the role of “driver” across the week in a way that fits their commitments.
A group chat (such as WhatsApp) can be a useful way to share schedules and updates. This helps everyone stay informed and connected.
If there are children who want to ride bikes and scooters, you will have to assess whether you can safely manage them with those walking.
If it is too challenging and safety would be compromised, remind them that it's a walking school bus and not a riding one.
Bus drivers decide if they will operate in wet weather. You should discuss and agree on a plan with the other volunteers.
Rainy days are when congestion at the school gate is at its worst, so it's helpful if the walking school bus operates.
To motivate students, you can offer them 2 clicks on their merit scheme ticket when they walk on wet days.
Volunteer stories
Volunteers share their experiences in these short videos.