Metrolinx is helping to take the stress out of getting to the classroom by making it safe and easy for students to travel to school. Whether they’re taking transit, walking or riding their bike, there are always a few things to keep in mind.

For students of all ages, navigating construction while making their way to and from the classroom is frustrating. Some of those projects are to either improve or build new transit. Here are some back-to-school safety tips to keep in mind:

• Construction zones limit visibility for everyone on the road. Be extra careful around construction sites.
• Things are constantly changing around construction sites – traffic is moved around, lanes get closed, fences go up. Always be mindful of your surroundings.
• Pedestrians are sometimes redirected. Pay attention to the signs and only cross the street at proper crosswalks and intersections.
• If you are driving, slow down and follow the rules of the road – don’t make turns where turns are not allowed. This helps to keep everyone safe.
• Remember that you are sharing the road with drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Leave space for everyone to travel safely.

Getting to school is important, but so is staying safe travelling to and from. Remember these safety tips when travelling on transit at all times:

• Staying well behind the yellow line keeps you at a safe distance from oncoming or departing trains. Mind the yellow line and always be aware of your surroundings.
• Always spread out along the platform to avoid overcrowding the platform in one section. Carry all your personal articles such as backpacks and computer bags in your hands. As trains arrive and depart platforms, stand still and wait for them to come to a complete stop.
• Crossing tracks illegally can result in serious or fatal injury. On platforms, never cross train tracks anywhere at any time. At railway crossings, use the designated crossings; they’re designed to keep you safe. And never rush to cross ahead of a train.
• Watch out for any gaps between the platform and the train when boarding and exiting.

Here are some additional tips for university and college students:

• Help yourself with PRESTO – sign up for Autoload, add value at in-station machines, and tap on to ride multiple transit systems. Plus, if you sign up as a student, you’ll receive 18 per cent off GO fares.
• Students can take advantage of service to a dozen post-secondary schools, connect to other transit agencies, and hop on inter-campus service.
• Get a GO-approved student ID either through GO Transit or at your school.
• Pick up a re-loadable PRESTO card.
• Customers should only purchase PRESTO cards via authorized sources such as prestocard.ca and never purchased from other sources.
• Remember to always travel with your GO-approved student ID and show it for fare inspection.