Make a poster with the below information
We encourage students and families to think about sustainable travel choices. Choosing cleaner, greener ways to get to school helps reduce pollution, ease traffic congestion, and protect our environment for the future.
Greener Travel Options
Walking: If you live nearby, walking is the healthiest and most eco‑friendly option. It’s free, keeps you active, and reduces your carbon footprint.
Cycling or Scooting: We provide secure bike racks for storage. Using a bike or scooter is quick, fun, and sustainable. Remember to wear a helmet and use a strong lock when storing.
Public Transport: Buses and trains are more energy‑efficient than cars.
Car‑sharing: If driving is necessary, consider car‑sharing with classmates or neighbours. Fewer cars on the road means less congestion and lower emissions.
Park and Ride: Use local Park and Ride sites (e.g., The George, Milehouse) to reduce traffic near the school and cut down on fuel use.
Tips for Cleaner Travel
Plan your journey to avoid unnecessary trips.
Use reusable water bottles and bags to cut down on single‑use plastics while travelling.
Keep bikes and scooters well‑maintained for efficiency and safety.
Choose off‑peak travel times where possible to reduce congestion.
Why It Matters
Every small change makes a difference. By making greener choices, UTC Plymouth students and families help:
Reduce air pollution in our community.
Lower carbon emissions that contribute to climate change.
Promote healthier lifestyles through walking and cycling.
Build positive habits that support sustainability in everyday life.
We work with local operators to provide reliable bus options to and from UTC Plymouth. Below is a suggested structure for publishing routes and times. Replace placeholder data with confirmed schedules each term.
Daily routes overview
|
Route |
Area covered |
Morning arrival |
Afternoon departure |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Route A |
Saltash – St Budeaux – City Centre – UTC |
08:15 |
17:00 |
Popular for Cornwall commuters |
|
Route B |
Plympton – Chaddlewood – City Centre – UTC |
08:20 |
17:05 |
Connects with Stagecoach/Plymouth Citybus |
|
Route C |
Devonport – Royal William Yard – UTC |
08:25 |
17:10 |
Ferry link proximity |
|
Route D |
Ivybridge – Embankment – UTC |
08:30 |
17:15 |
Good for South Hams students |
|
Route E |
Yelverton – Derriford – UTC |
08:35 |
17:20 |
Connects to northern corridor |
Sources:
UTC Plymouth is well served by Great Western Railway and CrossCountry routes into Plymouth station. Plan your journey from key stations across Devon and Cornwall (e.g., Ivybridge, Liskeard, St Austell) and allow a short walk or bus connection from Plymouth station to UTC. Provide a station‑to‑campus map and note peak‑time service frequencies for induction days. Clear station guidance and walking times are a proven feature on strong transport pages.
For occasional journeys or late finishes, local licensed taxi firms and private hire operators can provide direct travel to UTC Plymouth. Consider:
Pick‑up points: Station forecourt, city centre ranks.
Estimated fares: Typical station→UTC fare range at peak/off‑peak.
Safety: Licensed vehicles only, confirm driver and vehicle details, consider pre‑booking for busy times.
Receipts: Useful for expense claims or bursary documentation.
Park and Ride: the nearest site is The George, Milehouse, a short walk and with bus connections to UTC.
Drop‑off/collection: Mark safe kerbside zones and avoid staff/visitor bays. [Add Map]
Parking: On‑site visitor parking is limited;
Fares: List single/return/termly pass prices for each route.
How to book: Online form with student details, route selection, consent, and emergency contacts.
Financial support: Guidance on bursaries or discounted travel.
Publishing a clear fares/terms section, with downloadable PDFs, aligns with how established school transport pages help families plan costs and commitments.
Fare and ticket information:
https://www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/national/school-bus-travel – details of single, return, day, week, and termly passes for school routes
https://www.plymouthbus.co.uk/school-tickets overview of school bus passes and savings
https://www.plymouthbus.co.uk/fares-and-tickets general fare information including weekly and term passes
How to Book
Plymouth City Council – School Transport – apply for school transport, appeal decisions, and access policies. https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/school-transport
Plymouth Online Directory – Travelling to School – explains booking processes and transport options. https://www.plymouthonlinedirectory.com/childrenandfamilies/travellingtoschool
Devon County Council – School & College Transport – guidance on eligibility and applications https://www.devon.gov.uk/children-families-education/education/school-and-college-transport/
Financial Support
Plymouth City Council – Post 16 Transport Policy – details on eligibility and costs for older students. https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/post-16-transport-policy
Plymouth City Council – Post 16 and Post 19 Transport – support for students with SEND or medical needs. https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/post-16-and-post-19-transport
GOV.UK – 16 to 19 Education Financial Support – overview of bursaries, free school meals, and other support. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/16-to-19-education-financial-support-for-students
GOV.UK – 16 to 19 Bursary Fund Guide – detailed guidance on bursary eligibility and usagehttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/16-to-19-bursary-fund-guidance/16-to-19-bursary-fund-guide-2025-to-2026
What should I do if my child is delayed getting to school?
If your child is running late, please let us know using the Arbor app. If we do not receive any information, we may need to follow up in line with our safeguarding procedures. For more details, please see our Attendance & Absence Policy (link to your school’s page).
What happens if the delay is beyond their control (e.g., train cancellations, bus delays, or traffic accidents)?
We understand that transport issues can sometimes cause unavoidable lateness, however, lateness will still be recorded and may affect their overall attendance score. If persistent lateness occurs, even for reasons outside of their control, we may investigate further to ensure appropriate support is in place.
Can students bring bikes or scooters to school?
Yes, students are welcome to cycle or scoot to UTC Plymouth. We provide a secure bike rack for storage. Please note that items are left at the student’s own risk and the school cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage. We recommend using a strong lock and clearly labelling equipment.
Is there financial support available for transport costs?
Yes. Families may be eligible for assistance with transport costs through the 16–19 Bursary Fund or local authority schemes. For more information, please visit:
Plymouth City Council – School Transport https://www.plymouth.gov.uk/school-transport
GOV.UK – 16 to 19 Bursary Fund Guide https://www.gov.uk/guidance/16-to-19-education-financial-support-for-students
What if my child misses the bus?
If a student misses their scheduled bus, parents are responsible for arranging alternative transport to school. Please inform the school if this will cause a significant delay.
Are there train and taxi options nearby?
Yes. UTC Plymouth is close to both Devonport & Plymouth Railway Stations, with regular services from Cornwall, South Devon and beyond. Students can also use local, licensed taxi services for occasional journeys.
Where can I drop off or collect my child by car?
Parents and carers are asked to use the designated drop‑off zones when bringing students to school. Please make use of the visitor car park or nearby roads, close to the school, ensuring that vehicles are parked safely and legally.
For safety reasons, do not stop in the road to let children exit the car without parking properly, this creates a hazard for both students and other road users. Cars must be parked in non‑permit holder zones, which are shown clearly on our school map.
We are committed to building strong relationships with our local community, so we ask all families to be considerate of our neighbours at all times. Parking in front of the school gates is strictly prohibited, as this area must remain clear for emergency vehicle access.
Please also be aware that parking enforcement officers regularly patrol the surrounding streets. To avoid fines or penalties, we strongly recommend following all parking and driving regulations at all times.
What happens in severe weather?
In cases of snow, flooding or other severe weather, transport services may be disrupted. Updates will be shared via the Arbor app, email and our website. Parents should check local bus and train operator websites for live service updates.