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  • Transport

    The Green Way to Travel to School  

    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. 

     

    Bus links and timetables 

    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: 

    Train travel 

    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. 

    Taxis and private hire 

    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 and driving 

    • 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. 

    Fares, terms and booking 

    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 

    Financial Support 

    Transport FAQs 

    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: 

    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.