THE rollout of seatbelts in school buses across the Myall Coast region is finally being realised, thanks to a NSW Government funding boost.

The $29 million allocated for the seatbelt blitz will ensure all regional school buses will have seatbelts by December 2019, four years ahead of schedule.

The funding announcement has been welcomed by Busways, who operate six dedicated school buses in the Myall Coast region.

A Busways spokesperson said as the fast tracking of the rollout is still in its early stages, it is unclear when the installation will occur for their fleet of school buses.

“Busways is committed to the safe transportation of students and passengers on our bus services,” the spokesperson said. “We look forward to working with Transport for NSW to deliver this commitment to our regional school communities.”

Busways, who ferry hundreds of Myall Coast children to school each week, said in addition to the seat belts, they are proactive in ensuring school bus safety through many active strategies.

“These include identifying black spots, improved infrastructure for bus transport, improving transport educational material and promoting bus priority measures,” the spokesperson said.

Ongoing training for drivers is also an important part of Busways safety strategy.

The funds allocated for the blitz were announced as part of the 2017/2018 state budget.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance, said seat belts for the rural and regional bus fleet “is something our communities have been crying out for”.

“I’m committed to making sure kids across the state can travel to school safely,” he said.

 

By John SAHYOUN