We want everyone to get to college safely. Covid-19 means we all need to take more care when we travel, but this doesn’t mean we can’t choose healthy, affordable or eco-friendly travel choices.

The government’s Covid-19 guidelines for safe travel can be found here and there are FAQs for outbreaks here.

We’ve summarised the main transport choices you have below.

Walking

As the NHS reminds us, walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, keep fit and become healthier. If you’re walking to work, make sure you wear comfy shoes and to change these once you arrive. Just 10 minutes a day has plenty of health benefits. 

Make sure you plan your route (using Google Maps or a similar platform). You could also try the Active 10 app to track the walking you’re already doing (alongside your progress), as you build it into your routine. There are also pedometer apps, where you can set daily step targets.

If you’re within walking distance of college, you’ll save money too. Please remember to maintain a social distance of two metres as you walk.

If you take the bus or train into Leeds’ centre, you could always walk from the station to your campus, instead of taking extra buses. From the train station, our Park Lane, Printworks, Leeds Conservatoire and Quarry Hill campuses take approximately 15-20 minutes. From the bus station, Quarry Hill takes five minutes, while Printworks takes 15 minutes and Park Lane 20 minutes.

Cycling

Cycling is a great way to bring exercise into your routine and Leeds has developed its cycle lanes in recent years. It has mental and physical health benefits, zero carbon footprint and it’s another money saver. 

Your safety and security is important when cycling, so please:

  • always wear a helmet
  • use bike lights and reflectors 
  • wear high visibility clothes if possible (black cycling shorts/tops may look cool, but make you difficult to see in the dark – try to avoid these)
  • always bring locks to keep your bike secure.

On average, commuters who drive spend an average of £1,932 and add 1204kg of CO2 to our air each year. Commuters who take public transport also spend an average of £1,117 each year. You can do your bit for the planet by cycling.

CityConnect provides insight on cycling infrastructure in Leeds here and you can also use their handy journey planner here.

If you’re a staff member, we have a Cycle to Work scheme. Please contact HR to discuss this.

Bus

Taking the bus to college is practical for many of us, but with Covid-19 measures in place we need to follow safety measures.

If you take the bus, please:

  • wear a face covering on board – it’s the law
  • maintain social distancing (there is no standing and seats have been cordoned off)
  • use e-tickets or exact change where possible
  • remain seated until the bus stops
  • remember that seat numbers are reduced and this might make your commute time longer.

The bus station is fully open, including its ticket office and shops. Social distancing measures are in place and a face covering must be worn.

Some companies are also using seat finder tools online or through apps. Take advantage of these if you can.

Train

The train is a great way to reach Leeds city centre. Remember to follow Covid-19 safety measures on board. 

If you take the train, please:

  • wear a face covering on board and in the station – it’s the law
  • maintain social distancing of one metre at all times
  • use e-tickets where possible and buy in advance to reduce face-to-face contact.

Capacity has been reduced on all services and there is no standing allowed on board. Please allow extra time in case you can’t board your intended service. Catering services are not running on the majority of services, but station facilities are open. 

The Leeds train station is fully open, including its ticket office, shops and food vendors. Social distancing measures are in place and face coverings must be worn. Please follow the station’s one way system.

Some companies are running seat finder tools online or through apps. Take advantage of these if you can.

Car

Covid-19 measures need following if you’re sharing a car. Please remember that it is the law to wear a face covering in a taxi and that car sharing is the leading cause of cases in West Yorkshire at the moment. 

Try to avoid car journeys with people from different households or bubbles. If you do, open your windows for ventilation and wear a mask.

If you’re a student, there is no student car parking space. There are city centre car parks, but these can be expensive. Please also park considerately if you use on-street city parking.

Leeds City College