Transport

Getting to Ralph Allen School

The school is located in a beautiful position with stunning countryside views on the south-eastern edge of Bath.  It is on the hills above the city in the clean air, out of the exhaust fumes.  Many of our students get to and from school actively - walking, cycling, by bus or car-share.

We want Ralph Allen to be a fit and healthy school, making more sustainable journeys and contributing less to local congestion. So we are working with:

• Sustrans on the Active Travel to Schools Project to encourage sustainable travel.
• Local bus companies to improve the bus services.
• Ralph Allen's Parent Circle to explore other ideas with parents.
• HomeRun - we are a pilot school for B&NES for this initiative. 

By Bus                                           

A number of different buses come to the school. Many of them drop off and pick up within the school grounds. Some are designated school buses, others are public buses. They are run by various bus companies including:

• Faresaver – www.faresaver.co.uk
• First Bus - www.firstgroup.com/bristol-bath-and-west
• Abus - www.abus.co.uk

Other buses come close to the school (for example, First 2, which comes to Combe Down, a 5-10-minute walk from the school).

Most students pay for their own travel, though some students (for example, those living in some of the local villages) travel free of charge. Season tickets may be bought from the bus companies to keep costs to a minimum.

Help is available online with journey planning by bus:

• http://www.traveline.info/
• www.travelwest.info

Certain routes do not run a service beyond the end of the normal school day. For students attending after school clubs, the best option is to take a bus to the University of Bath or to the bus station. From there, buses are available to a variety of destinations.  Always check with the relevant bus company first. 

By Bike

Students who cycle can leave their bikes locked in bike racks at the school. There are a number of puncture repair kits, pumps and tools in school which students can use.

Journey planners are available online for cyclists:

• http://www.cyclestreets.net/area/ for busy, quieter, safer roads

If you live in B&NES, free cycling lessons are available:

• www.cyclinginstructor.com/

Car-Sharing and HomeRun App

We are part of a pilot within B&NES to work with HomeRun - an innovative new app with a focus on strengthening school communities and improving journeys for all.  B&NES are encouraging parents to use the app to lower the number of car journeys and to improve air quality across the region.  

HomeRun increases journey sharing and allows journey monitoring. It also encourages independent travel and can help students ‘buddy up’ for walking to school.  It provides a secure private network for our school. Please find HERE a digital leaflet with the key information regarding the app.

The Sulis Club car park (next door to the school) is used for drop-offs and pick-ups to keep the school’s car park clear for buses.

Active Travel to Schools Project

The Active Travel to Schools Project aims to get the whole school community working together to make the school journey sustainable, healthy and enjoyable for everyone. 'Active Travel' includes:

• Walking
• Cycling
• Buses
• Car shares

We want a fitter and happier school, with less local congestion, making more sustainable journeys. The project is run thanks to funding from the Travel West Local Sustainable Transport Fund and is running across B&NES and other Local Authorities in the South West. For any queries or suggestions or to find out more about sustainable travel to and from school, contact the local Active Travel to Schools Officer.