Zeelo Buses: Making Your Journey to College Easier
Getting to college should be one less thing for students to worry about. That’s why RNN Group provides dedicated student-only bus services through Zeelo, helping students travel to college from a wide range of towns and communities.
Whether you study at Rotherham College, North Notts College or Dearne Valley College, the Zeelo services are designed to make travelling to and from college easier, more convenient and more accessible.
What is the Zeelo bus service?
Zeelo provides dedicated bus services for RNN Group students, connecting a number of local areas with RNN’s three main campuses.
Unlike regular public bus services, these routes are specifically designed around the college day and the stops are based on requests as well as population of learners homes using postcode data. Services operate in the morning to get students to college in time to have some free toast and tea before their first lesson, with return journeys available at the end of the college day.
There is a small charge for using the service, with multiple-journey travel passes available at a discounted price. Students may also be eligible for financial support towards the cost of travelling to and from college and you can enquire here: bursary@rnngroup.ac.uk.
Where can the buses take you?
The RNN Zeelo network connects students from a number of different areas with its Colleges.
Routes currently include services travelling from areas such as:
- Dinnington
- North Anston
- Kiveton Park
- Killamarsh
- Swallownest
- Aughton
- Treeton
- Brinsworth
- Conisbrough
- Warmsworth
- Mexborough
- Retford
- Worksop
- Carlton-in-Lindrick
- Langold
- Tickhill
- Maltby
- Wickersley
- Rawmarsh
The services connect with Rotherham College and Dearne Valley College, while the North Notts College service provides a dedicated route between Retford and Worksop. Students from the Retford and Worksop area can also use a service to travel further afield to Rotherham College and Dearne Valley College, opening up access to courses across the wider RNN Group.
A service designed around students
One of the biggest advantages of the Zeelo service is that it is designed specifically for college students.
For example, the current Dinnington route starts at Green Arbour Road at just after 7am, travelling through several stops including Dinnington, North Anston, Kiveton Park, Killamarsh, Swallownest, Aughton, Treeton and Brinsworth before reaching Rotherham College at around 8.15am and Dearne Valley College at 8:30am.
There is also a route from Retford and Worksop towards Rotherham College and Dearne Valley College. This service starts from Barnby Moor at just after 6.45am, with stops through Retford, Worksop, Carlton-in-Lindrick, Langold, Tickhill, Maltby and Wickersley before arriving at Rotherham College and then Dearne Valley College.
For students attending North Notts College, the Retford-to-Worksop service currently includes stops in Elkesley, Ordsall and Retford before arriving at North Notts College at 8:30am.
How do I book a Zeelo bus?
Booking your place is straightforward.
Students can purchase their bus tickets or passes through Zeelo. RNN Group’s college websites provide a link to the Zeelo booking system, as well as a step-by-step guide explaining how to book your place.
Once you have purchased your ticket or pass, please read the Ready To Travel information so you know what to expect when using the service.
It’s important to book your place before travelling (students cannot access the bus without a pre-booked ticket) and to make sure you have the appropriate ticket or pass for your journey.
What about the cost?
Using the Zeelo service involves a small daily charge, although students can purchase multiple-journey passes at a discounted price. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for financial support towards the cost of travelling to and from college.
Why use the Zeelo service?
For many RNN students, the Zeelo bus can make the college journey much easier.
Less stress
Having a dedicated student service can mean less time worrying about complicated connections or getting to college on time.
Designed around the college day
The services are scheduled to get students to college for the start of the day, with return journeys available at the end of the college day.
Connect with other RNN campuses
The network also makes it easier for students to consider courses at other RNN Group colleges. For example, students based around Retford and Worksop can use the service to travel to Rotherham College or Dearne Valley College, giving them access to a wider range of courses across the Group.
Potential financial support
Students who are eligible may be able to receive financial assistance towards their travel costs, making the service more affordable.
Before you travel
Bus timetables can change, so always check the latest Zeelo timetable before setting off. If there is a problem, the dedicated Zeelo Customer service team are always able to help and you can contact them on: Tel: 0330 808 3306 / Email: contact@zeelo.co.
It’s also a good idea to:
- Check your bus stop and departure time the night before.
- Arrive at your stop a few minutes early.
- Make sure you have purchased the correct ticket or pass.
- Keep your travel information available when boarding.
- Check the return journey so you know how you’re getting home.
- Allow extra time if there are traffic or weather issues.
Your journey to college starts here
For students across the RNN Group, getting to college doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re thinking about joining RNN, or you’re already a student and are looking for a simpler way to travel, it’s worth checking whether there is a Zeelo route near you.