Additional Rural Service Licence (RSL) vouchers will be issued to transport service providers transporting students to and from school.
Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro says the initiative is part of the government's fuel mitigation strategy aimed at ensuring students continue to have access to affordable and reliable transportation and that no child is disadvantaged in accessing education because of transport costs.
Radrodro acknowledged concerns raised by schools, transport providers and communities and says to address these concerns and ensure uninterrupted access to education, two additional transport vouchers per student per day will be provided for eligible students travelling on RSL services.
He says schools will continue the normal distribution of transportation vouchers, while payment for the additional two vouchers per eligible student per day will be administered directly by the Ministry of Education through approved payment arrangements.
The Minister adds that payments for the additional vouchers will be processed immediately to ensure eligible students and RSL providers receive the full benefit of the assistance.
Radrodro says students currently registered under the RSL transport assistance scheme will automatically receive the additional support and will not be required to submit a new application.
He says the Ministry has communicated the approved arrangements to schools, District Education Offices and Divisional Education Offices to support smooth implementation.
Parents, guardians and transport providers seeking further information are encouraged to contact their nearest District Education Office or Divisional Education Office.
The Minister says education remains a priority and that these measures will help ease the financial burden on families while ensuring students can continue attending school without disruption.
