KUCHING, Nov 4: Providing free school bus services is a good and effective move if it is implemented properly, successfully, sustained and properly maintained.
Supporting Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg’s State Budget 2020 announcement of free school bus services earlier today, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak vice-chairwoman Voon Shiak Ni opined it is good news as the availability of free bus services would definitely ease the financial burden of transportation fees for families who need to send their children to school.
As transport costs and school bus fares are quite steep these days, Voon believed that the said free bus services is something which the people have been waiting for as this has been carried out in Selangor.
Abang Johari said that the free school bus service for students will be introduced in Kuching next year based on the ‘hop-on, hop-off’ concept, where students can hop on the bus at any point along the route and hop off at their respective schools.
“We fully support the free bus services for school children but with added concern that the project can only be effectively beneficial for the people if it is implemented successfully. We also hope that measures be taken to sustain the services (over the long-term) instead of short-term,” Voon opined, adding that sustainability and maintenance are crucial.
On the other hand, Voon observed that the budget for the project was not mentioned.
“We hope that Abang Johari will announce the amount allocated, details of operation and safety measures for the ‘hop-on, hop-off’ concept, she remarked. — DayakDaily
