The House Transport Committee heard on Thursday that a student emptied a fire extinguisher inside a school bus, causing the driver to faint and be taken to hospital, one of several serious incidents raised during a review of school bus safety.
Committee members also heard of an air gun and pellets found on a bus, fireworks set off on board, vandalism and stolen safety equipment. The Committee brought the safety issue back for discussion after findings by the Audit Office last June, with the session focused on the technical fitness of vehicles due to transport students during the new school year.
Officials told the Committee that 442 buses had passed inspection before July, while a further 319 passed technical checks between July and Thursday. Forty buses failed.
The Road Transport Department (RTD) has asked all contracting companies to submit details of the fleets they intend to use for student transport. Some buses still have checks or required paperwork outstanding, though officials said this does not mean those vehicles will be used on school routes this year.
Officials told the Committee that 761 buses have been declared for the current school year, a figure they said exceeds actual requirements because contractors also declare reserve vehicles. In Famagusta, for example, around 100 routes are required but around 150 buses have been declared as available.
The Head of Public Passenger Transport, Andreas Nikiforou, said intensive, unannounced checks would take place in September. Inspectors have already drawn up a schedule of school visits, though the timing and locations will not be disclosed in advance.
He said ten inspectors nationwide are instructed to carry out checks both in the morning and at midday throughout the school year, a practice repeated annually.
Representatives of all contracting companies told the Committee they were fully prepared for the start of the new school year and the running of student routes.
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