Local authorities seek better management of school buses

In bustling cities like Hanoi, hectic schedules prevent parents from dropping their kids off at school, leading to the rise of student transportation or school bus services.

Ban Mai students board a school bus to go to school. Photo: VNA

Most private schools in Hanoi and some public schools operate school buses. Monthly fees for these services range from VND1.3 million (US$52) to more than VND2 million (US$80).

As the school year approaches, school bus service providers compete to offer flexible pricing and pick-up locations and to ease parents' concerns about getting their children to and from school safely.
While this service adds another bill to their monthly expenses, it also provides a significant convenience to parents who would otherwise have to navigate heavy rush hour traffic between home, school, and the office.

There have been tragic school bus accidents in which the negligence of drivers, chaperones, and even homeroom teachers has resulted in the deaths of some young children in elementary and preschool schools who were left in locked buses.

Nguyen Trong Hieu from Van Quan Ward in Ha Dong District said he is sometimes concerned about the risks of using the school bus, but it's the best way for his family.

"I no longer have to drive 8km from my home to my daughter's school and then struggle with traffic on the way to the office," he told The Hanoi Times. "It saves me a lot of time."

"I often tell my daughter about the dangers and risks and remind her to keep up with the others so she doesn't go unnoticed."

Transport expert Phan Le Binh said it is a must for authorities and relevant parties to strengthen management and raise awareness among schools and businesses to ensure compliance with regulations on student mobility.

"Traffic police and other relevant authorities must conduct regular inspections and strictly enforce regulations to minimize accidents and ensure safety," he said.

Vehicle inspections conducted

To ensure the safety of students, a joint task force consisting of the Hanoi Department of Education, the Hanoi Department of Transport, traffic police, schools, and local authorities has been set up.

Substandard buses and drivers spotted by local transportation inspectors. Photo: VNA

Schools are advised not to enter into contracts with transport companies that do not meet the required standards and to terminate contracts with vehicles and drivers that do not comply. Transportation companies, vehicle owners, and drivers must avoid overloading, keep their vehicles regularly registered, and employ only drivers with valid licenses.

According to Dao Viet Long, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Transportation, inspections of student transport vehicles will be intensified in August and September. The results will be reported to the Hanoi People's Committee by September 30.

The joint task force will step up patrols, monitor compliance, and strictly deal with any violations related to the use of minibusses and buses for student transportation, he said.

In Ha Dong District, about 20 public and private schools have registered for student transportation services.

Tuong Do Hien, Deputy Head of the Ha Dong Transport Inspection Division, said that the joint task force has inspected over 75% of the schools using the service in the district. The remainder will be checked after the school year begins.

Preliminary results indicate that most schools, businesses, and drivers are in compliance, he said, adding that some violations are being identified related to the size of fire extinguishers and the placement of emergency hammers.

Hien suggested that transportation companies install an alarm bell on their vehicles that requires drivers to check each row of seats to the last to turn it off and ensure that no students are left behind.

Le Van Canh, manager of a 100-vehicle fleet for the Marie Curie schools, said the bus supervisor compiles and reports a list of students attending school each morning.

This list is then verified by the homeroom teachers, and the process is repeated at the end of the school day, he said.

Canh emphasized that even with the use of technology, human awareness is still the most important component in guaranteeing student safety. He advised educators and drivers to exercise caution and meticulously follow protocols.

The school has organized training sessions for drivers and teachers responsible for student transportation, he said.

"Students are taught how to use emergency tools. They are also trained on how to signal for help if they are accidentally trapped inside the vehicle, such as turning on the lights or honking the horn," he said.

Vuong Xuan Thanh, Director of An Do Investment and Development Company, said the company had received the warning from the authorities.

"We will address any shortcomings, improve the professional skills and ethics of our drivers, and strengthen coordination with teachers and schools to ensure the absolute safety of students," he said.