Transport Minister Daryl Vaz will update the nation on the progress of the National Rural School Bus Programme at a press conference next week.

On September 8, just under 60 school buses were rolled out along 122 routes across the island, as students returned to the classrooms for the new academic year.

Mr. Vaz, who was speaking with IRIE FM News yesterday, noted that while some students are not taking the buses, the demand for the vehicles is still overwhelming.

He said plans are being made to increase the fleet of rural school buses.

Mr. Vaz also noted that preparations are being made for the cashless system for use on the buses by next month.

Students are being transported free of cost on the school buses until month-end.