PHILIPSBURG--School buses will be compensated according to how many children they transport and no longer according to how many trips they make, under the new school-bussing policy.
The new policy will eliminate government paying for “empty busses” as is currently being done Prime Minister and Deputy Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister William Marlin told Members of Parliament (MP) during the continuation of the meeting of the Central Committee of Parliament on the draft 2016 budget on Tuesday. Marlin was speaking on behalf of Education Minister Silveria Jacobs, who could not make it to the meeting.
The new policy was signed off by the former Education Minister Rita Bourne-Gumbs.
Two inspectors from the Ministry of VROMI have been assigned to control and monitor this service and to ensure that the proper routes are being run. Marlin said once the invoices are provided by the contractors, the Ministry will ensure that the correct route, route cost, size of bus listed and number of official bussing days are accurate to ensure that cost paid out are correct. This verification will be performed manually at the Division of Inspection.
School-bussing will be available between 6:30am and 4.30pm. Under the new policy every child using the school-bussing system should be in possession of a bus pass, to make use of the service. The new policy will also add technology (video monitors) to monitor both students and drivers. There will also be special conditions and licenses required to continue to provide bus transport services to students. A total amount of NAf. 4,250,000 has been assigned to the bussing policy for 2016.
The school-bussing service is provided to and from school for all school children between the ages of four and 18. The service also includes school activities (such as swimming and gym) in specific cases. No fees will be charged for the service.
All school children between four and 18 are allowed to make use of the school-bussing service to and from school.
Cost for extracurricular activities (sport days, etc.) will only be covered for public schools pending the introduction of a compensation scheme for public schools. The cost for extracurricular activities of the private and subsidised schools remains the responsibility of the competent authority. The cost for gym activities, requiring school bus transport, coordinated by the Ministry of Education will be covered.
As it relates to safety on school buses, VROMI inspectors perform checks to ensure that the buses used are up to proper working standards (brakes, steering, seating etc).
The inspectors check to see if the operators are in condition to drive, such as ensuring they’re not under the influence of any narcotics or alcohol. The bus operators are also advised to ensure that the children are able to cross the street by putting the bus in a position as to impede traffic and allow for crossing.
