The Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection has taken formal action after a video circulated on social media showing schoolchildren travelling in an overloaded bus under unsafe conditions.
Acting Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca has formally lodged a complaint with the Land Transport Authority following the incident, which showed several students sitting on the edge of bus windows, placing their lives at serious risk.
Ms Kuruleca said the Ministry is deeply concerned and has reaffirmed its strong commitment to the safety and wellbeing of children, particularly while they are travelling to and from school.
She stressed that no child should be exposed to danger while accessing their right to education, adding that safe transportation is not optional.
“Protecting children is a shared responsibility involving drivers, operators, parents, guardians and the wider community,” she said.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Land Transport Authority has confirmed that the complaint has been referred to the Authority’s enforcement team.
Investigations have resulted in a Traffic Infringement Notice being issued for offences including carrying excess passengers and careless driving.
The Ministry has reminded all bus drivers and operators that they are required to know and comply with the law at all times, especially when transporting students.
Overloading vehicles and engaging in unsafe driving practices endanger lives and will not be tolerated.
