TfL Pioneers

TfL Pioneers is a free educational programme that empowers secondary-aged children to be advocates for active, responsible and safe travel. This programme is done in partnership with the London Transport Museum.
TfL Pioneers badge image

There are more than 900 secondary schools in London leading thousands of young people to get to and from school using our network every day.

TfL Pioneers also helps to prepare young people for a successful future by:

  • Supporting them in their learning and development
  • Continuing to develop their confidence to travel independently
  • Reflecting on how their travel decisions impact them and others around them
Primary school girl with scooter

How does it work?

Each school needs to identify travel issues in their area. Then create a plan, select activities to address those issues, and reach the active travel targets. This is with the help of London boroughs and TfL.

Each activity the school completes is a step closer to gaining accreditation.

Schools are recognised as gold, silver, or bronze depending on what activities they do and the impact they have.

How to get involved

  • Register online at the official TfL Travel for Life website, and you'll be connected with your local borough officer
  • Set your targets and submit your first Hands Up survey. Learn how to tell your school's story and measure success on the official TfL Travel for Life website
  • Explore the activities and make a plan. You can filter the plan by activity or travel issue. Take a look at our featured activities for inspiration and to plot the year ahead
  • Get going! Appoint a group of students or "ambassadors" to help you plan and deliver the activities. You can promote what you're doing to parents and guardians and gather as much evidence as you can!
  • Tell your story. Upload photos, promos, leaflets, surveys, text or presentations to the official TfL Travel for Life website throughout the year. This will make it easier to apply for accreditation. Don't forget to track your progress!
  • Apply for accreditation in July 2024. Show your progress with the last Hands Up survey and then click the button to apply for accreditation

7 reasons to join TfL Pioneers

  1. It supports your school's Travel Plan, Climate Action Plan and Enrichment Programme
  2. It supports the Curriculum
  3. It helps to reduce car congestion around your school and improves road safety and air quality
  4. It promotes peer-led projects and leadership as well as other life skills
  5. It's free, easy and there's plenty of content, lesson plans and guides
  6. You'll be fully supported on your journey to accreditation by TfL and your local borough
  7. There are awards and incentives along the way like competitions and you'll be recognised for all your hard work with your accreditation!

See also TfL Project Guardian, our specialist secondary school sessions to increase awareness of sexual harassment on public transport.