“It is safe, free and timely.”

Those are some of the comments from several parents, whose children took advantage of the free ride under the Rural School Bus Programme this morning.

60 buses were deployed along 55 routes across the country as students returned to school for the new academic year.

From now to October, students will be transported free of cost.

One parent, who spoke with IRIE FM News at the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre, said that while she appreciates the cost-free ride, she is more grateful for an initiative which prioritizes children’s safety.

One mother recounts how she has always been wary of allowing her son to take public transportation alone.

She said it was a relief when he boarded the Rural School Bus alone this morning.

She explained that today, her mind was at peace.

However, the mother is stressing the need for more school buses departing from several other locations to make it easier for children to commute.

Meanwhile, General Manager at the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre, Keith Blake, said there are plans to expand the programme so that more students can benefit.