Pilot school bus scheme well received says minister

The launch of the pilot scheme for taking children to primary school has been well received, Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said on Monday boarding one of the vehicles himself.

He expressed satisfaction with the effort, saying he had spoken to several parents and children en route to school, all of whom were excited and pleased that this service was being introduced.

He boarded the school bus which started from Larnaca Street in Ormidia at 7:05am, heading towards the second primary school of Ormidia.

He was accompanied by director of public transport Andreas Nikiforou.

Karousos said the programme has started with a total of 13 primary schools from all districts.

Nationwide, 313 pupils were taken to three primary schools in Nicosia, two in Limassol, two in Larnaca, three in Famagusta and three in Paphos.

Door-to-Door is a pilot school bussing programme aimed at reducing congestion on the roads in the morning and helping out families, the minister said, adding that today is an important day for public transport, as well as for primary pupils and their parents.

The scheme will see pupils in primary school picked up from outside their homes and taken to school.