A 40-minute walk twice a day is a bit of a trek anyway. What about a bicycle – less effort, quicker and greener than going by car. Obviously, that does depend on the traffic and types of roads. Mind you, if the area is that rough, he might get mugged for his bike – it has been known to happen. Does he already have friends who will be going to the same school? If so, maybe some of them travelling there together – on foot or by bike – might provide the reassurance of safety in numbers.
Are you getting enough protein?