Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the Rural School Bus System is not a business opportunity, but a moral responsibility of the government to improve the safety of students.

The rural school bus system is to be rolled out in the new school year.

50 buses are being imported under a joint effort between the Education and Transport Ministries.

Speaking at this morning’s Post Cabinet Press Briefing, Mr Vaz noted that over the years, rural students have struggled with transportation.

He explained that because they pay a lower fare than adults, public transport operators sometimes do not transport students.

The transport minister said if the operators do carry students, they tend to carry more than the stipulated number.

Mr Vaz stated that this trend puts students’ lives and safety at risk and something has to be done.

He said the Rural School Bus System will be properly monitored and will have a teacher to travel with the students, among other things.