The first full week of the new academic year gets underway today, with the deployment of 60 buses under the National Rural School Bus Programme.

55 routes across the island are being served under the first phase of the system.

Another 40 buses will be rolled out by November.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz told IRIE FM News that while routes and schedules have been outlined, there could be changes as the Ministry monitors the initiative.

He said the buses will serve 258 schools.

He also urged students and parents to be patient as the programme is implemented.