Transport for LondonGroup size
- Why should I split my party?
- Why are the maximum numbers per ticket so low when the average class has 30 children?
- Can we take more than two adults per 10 children?
- Why do the scheme's supervision limits differ from the DfES's?
Why should I split my party?
The number of people who can travel on each school party ticket is strictly limited, depending on the types of transport used. Up to three tickets can be ordered on one application form.
A ticket for a journey involving use of bus or tram services can be issued for up to 10 children. A ticket involving travel only on Tube, National Rail and DLR services can be issued for up to 20 children. For every 10 children there must be one or two accompanying adults.
These limits have been imposed to ensure that large parties can travel in smaller groups in the event of, say, a bus or tram not being able to accommodate the entire party.
Even if your party is smaller than the maximum permitted size, you may find it more convenient to travel in smaller groups. If you do, tick the 'special requirements' box on the application form. On receipt of your application, we will contact your school administrator to discuss your requirements.
Why are the maximum numbers per ticket so low when the average class size is about 30 children?
The maximum group sizes, which are dependent on the transport mode(s) being used, have been set to ensure the health and safety of the party. It also provides flexibility for teachers when making the trip.
Because normal public scheduled services are being used, TfL and National Rail cannot guarantee that services will operate to schedule and that sufficient capacity will be available. Therefore, to allow maximum flexibility, especially on buses where capacity can be limited, we have restricted the maximum group size to what we feel can reasonably be carried on the services available.
You do not need to specify the number of tickets you require - you simply have to state the number of children and adults making the trip. We will allocate the appropriate number of tickets. Where you need to exercise greater control over the number of children or adults per ticket, please indicate in the Special requirements section on the application form and we will contact the school administrator to discuss your requirements.
In considering your application, TfL will take into account the level of service available. It may therefore be necessary for the travel time on the tickets to be staggered so that the service has sufficient capacity for customers in general, and with the aim of avoiding the party being unable to board the service.
Can we take more than two adults per 10 children?
There is a strict upper limit of two adults for every 10 children per School party ticket.
You do not need to specify the number of tickets you require - you simply have to state the number of children and adults making the trip. We will allocate the appropriate number of tickets. Where you need to exercise greater control over the number of children or adults per ticket, please indicate in the Special requirements section on the application form and we will contact the school administrator to discuss your requirements.
If you wish to take more adults than the scheme's limits allow, the additional adults will be required to pay fares at the normal rate.
Why do the scheme's supervision limits differ from the DfES's?
The terms of the scheme require that, for each ticket issued, there must be at least one and not more than two accompanying adults for every 10 children.
This limit is broadly in line with the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) guidelines (see below), and is designed to reflect the nature of travel by public transport, whereby the party may have to travel separately for a variety of reasons.
The DfES guidelines state:
- One adult for every six children in school years 1 to 3
- One adult for every 10-15 pupils in school years 4 to 6
- One adult for every 15-20 pupils in school year 7 and above
