Written By: Georgetta Williams

Special needs institutions are among the beneficiaries of the Government’s Rural School Bus System.

The Transport Ministry says the system is aimed at advancing equity and inclusive access across the education sector.

Phase one of the programme will officially roll out on September 8 with 60 of 110 buses serving 55 of the 122 designated rural school routes in all parishes.

Students will pay a flat rate of 50 dollars per trip.

Speaking at the blessing ceremony today, Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz announced that 12 of the buses will serve 8 special needs schools in phase one.

Stating that 73 children lost their lives in road crashes since 2022, Mr. Vaz pointed out that 12 of those deaths occurred this year.

He said the programme is essential.

Mr. Vaz said retrofitting, tyre changes and servicing of the buses have been completed.