The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has issued a safety checklist for school administrators ahead of the reopening of schools next week, aimed at enhancing the safety of students during transportation.

In a public advisory issued on Monday April 20, 2026, the guidelines are intended to ensure compliance with road safety regulations and reduce risks associated with school transport as learners return for term two.

The reopening period often sees a surge in traffic involving school buses, vans, and public transport vehicles as learners return to school.

This increased movement raises safety concerns, prompting calls for stricter adherence to road safety regulations and heightened vigilance among all road users.

“As schools prepare to reopen, all school administrators are urged to ensure that their transport vehicles are roadworthy and compliant with safety regulations,” NTSA said.

As part of the safety measures, the authority advised the use of roadworthy vehicles to transport learners, the hiring of qualified drivers and making sure buses are equipped with safety belts.

NTSA also directed schools to ensure that drivers’ conducts are supervised and monitored during the reopening period, vehicles speed limiters are functional and that drivers and conductors are not under the influence of alcohol.

Additionally, school administrators are to ensure that school bus/van use the correct route, cautioning that deviations from the set safety measures may expose learners to avoidable risks.

“Our children need to get to school safely,” the authority emphasised.