Government school starts free bus service for students

Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 15

In first-of-its kind move, the Government Co-Ed Multipurpose School has started a free bus service for its students. With the arrival of new buses, students from the far flung areas of the district will have transportation service at their doorsteps. 

Courtesy the school principal and teachers, who joined hands to provide transport service to schoolchildren free of cost. Three buses were flagged off by students, the school staff and principal here today. 

It is pertinent to mention that government schools in the state do not provide any transportation facility to students. The school authorities said students from pre-nursery to Class VIII could avail free bus service. Meanwhile, students from Class IX to XII could also use the bus service at Rs 10 per day per student to reach the school and then go back home. 

Interestingly, teachers too have vowed to travel in these buses.

The school principal, Tota Singh, said, “The school staff of 137 teachers had a meeting, wherein, they decided to start the bus service. Our staff and students come from far off places, which prompted us to come up with this idea of free bus service.”

Initially, the service would be provided to over 600 students and 50 faculty members, however, it would be extended to more students, who live in the nearby areas, the principal added.

Talking about the expenditure the principal said, “The school staff will collectively bear all expenses for running the bus service. Each member used to spend around Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,000 on his/her transportation. From now onwards, teachers will travel in these buses along with students.”

“Presently, bus service is available from the Bahadurgarh, Sanaur and Sular areas. We have got a good response from students. We had to increase bus routes on the very first day,” said Tota Singh.