National Guidance and Recommendations
Several agencies and organizations have integrated school travel-related COVID-19 considerations into school re-opening publications. Sources below include the most prominent information across the range of travel modes.
American Academy of Pediatrics
- COVID-19 and Safe Transportation in Motor Vehicles: Provides guidance for carriers who transport multiple children and guidance for families in making decisions about motor vehicle travel.
- Supplemental Information on COVID-19 and Safe Transportation in Motor Vehicles: Includes guidance for carriers who transport multiple children, children and the use of public transit, and transportation of children with special health care needs (not specific to school travel).
- COVID-19 Guidance for Safe Schools: Overview of COVID-19 prevention measures recommended for school settings.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention in K-12 Schools: Outlines strategies for K-12 schools to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and maintain safe operations. This guidance includes information on mask use and improving ventilation on school buses.
- Requirement for Face Masks on Public Transportation Conveyances and at Transportation Hubs: CDC’s Order on the wearing of face masks while on public transportation applies to all public transportation conveyances, including school buses. Regardless of the mask policy at school, passengers and drivers must wear masks on school buses, including on buses operated by public and private school systems, subject to the exclusions and exemptions in CDC’s Order.
National Association for Pupil Transportation, National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services, and National School Transportation Association
- Student Transportation Aligned for Return to School (STARTS Guidelines): Synthesizes the 27 guidelines that were included in at least 30 state reopening plans. Focuses on bussing but mentions expanded walk zones as a strategy to reduce demand for bussing and facilitate distancing. Released in 2020.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
- Planning Considerations for Walking and Rolling to School: Considerations for how to support active travel with COVID-19 prevention in mind. While it was released in 2020, considerations remain the same.
Safe Routes National Partnership
- Safe Routes Back 2 School: Includes guides, info sheets, and virtual discussion sessions launched monthly through September 2021. Designed to help school communities choose walking and rolling to school to support social connections and physical activity.
International
- UNICEF Guidance for Safe and Healthy Journeys to School: During the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond: Offers practical steps to address COVID-19 and promote active transport like walking and cycling to improve air quality, physical activity and road safety.
Resources for School Re-opening Beyond School Travel
- White House Fact Sheet on Reopening Schools and Rebuilding With Equity
- U.S. Department of Education Safer Schools and Campuses Best Practices Clearinghouse: Lessons from the field to support schools, early childhood programs, and campuses continuing to reopen following closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given the uncertainties presented by the pandemic, this information may change based on new evidence as it becomes available. Resources listed on this page were last updated on September 1, 2021.