School buses, which are engaged in the school ferry transportation system, started to operate in June, 2018, and now, 107 buses are plying 1,868 students to school in townships of Yangon Region, according to the Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA).

“We have issued smart cards, which can connect mobile phones to individual students, as a safety feature for children. The smart cards will record when children board their school bus and when they arrive back home. Moreover, emergency medical tool kits will be kept on board school buses. An information service center will also be opened for parents to help them keep track of their children. The major objective is to ensure the safety of children,” said U Aung Nyi Nyi Maw, Managing Director of the YRTA.

The school transportation service is now two years into the academic year. It is being provided in 12 schools, including two TTC high schools and middle schools, five schools in North Okkalapa Township, and five schools in Latha, Mayangone, Sanchaung, and Thingangyun townships, according to the YRTA.—Myint Maung 

(Translated by Hay Mar)