Annette King, Minister for Transport today marked a major milestone for a popular Auckland icon when she launched Auckland’s 200th Walking School Bus at Onehunga Primary School. Walking School buses were first started in the region by Auckland City in 1999.

Ms King congratulated Onehunga Primary School and ARTA on the milestone. "I first came across walking school buses when I was Minister of Health. I supported them then and I support them even more now. They promote good health, they promote safety, and they make good sense from the point of view of easing traffic congestion. The sooner we get to the next milestone, the better."

The Auckland Regional Transport Authority’s General Manager of Sustainable Transport, Anna Percy says it’s great to see Auckland’s children increasingly using their legs to get around.

“ Walking School Buses are an easy, healthy and safe way for children to get to school and an excellent practical example of how many people making a small change, at low cost, can positively impact the environment and help limit carbon emissions in an increasingly environmentally conscious New Zealand”, said Ms Percy.

“While it’s taken six years to establish 200 Walking School Buses, ARTA is confident it will take much less time to double the number to 400. The programme has reached that all important critical mass, children in Auckland are getting much more used to walking to school and over the next few years ARTA, in partnership with local authorities, will create increased momentum through the School Travel Plan programme.

“Since evaluation of the impact of the Walking School Bus Programme started four years ago, one million car trips have been taken off the road with 3500 children and 1500 parents walking on average 1400 kms each week- the equivalent of walking about one and half times round the world each year.

The Auckland region is seeing a rapid re-establishment of walking as a valid way to get to and from school. A growing number of primary schools now consider establishing Walking School Buses essential and believe they strongly enhance local community spirit as well as contribute to children’s physical and mental health’, said Ms Percy.

Onehunga Primary School Principal, Mavis Moodie says, “ Onehunga Primary is both an ‘Enviro-School’ and an ‘Active School’ encouraging practices that provide for a sustainable future and children ‘being active’ in their everyday lives. Walking School Buses fit both these philosophies like a glove, and help us create practical solutions for children’s safety while overcoming congestion at the school gate.”

The 200th Walking School Bus is being introduced on Monday 20 November to improve the safety of children being dropped off at school as part of a TravelWise School Travel Plan. The ‘Stop and Drop’ WSB for parents and kids will leave from a spot just a five minute walk away from the school, at two different times.

Claire Dixon, Auckland City’s senior road safety coordinator, says the WSB programme is an excellent example of the region working together to improve sustainable transport.

“With support from ARTA, we have enrolled more than 2000 children in 83 walking school buses in Auckland city. Just this term we have ten more schools joining our travel plan programme,” says Ms Dixon.

“Every walking school bus takes time and considerable effort. Our road safety coordinators work with the school community completing surveys, identifying hazards along the route and training volunteers. In the last financial year, we spent $500,000 on engineering safety improvements to support school transport with things like speed bumps, kerb realignments and pedestrian refuge islands.

“Having started the first walking school bus in New Zealand in 1999, Auckland City is delighted that the 200th walking school bus for the region happens to be ours.”

A celebration Walking School Bus Family Fun Day and Picnic is happening on Sunday 19 November from 11.00am – 2.00pm at Western Springs Park for all families and friends involved in the Programme. Attendees can expect a fun afternoon with clowns, bouncy castle and more. Anyone wanting more information should contact their local Road Safety Coordinator.