7 things NTSA says school buses must have ahead of next week’s reopening
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7 things NTSA says school buses must have ahead of next week’s reopening
As schools prepare to reopen for the third term, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has reminded school administrators and transport operators to ensure vehicles carrying learners meet safety requirements.
The advisory comes ahead of next week’s reopening, with NTSA emphasising roadworthiness, valid documentation, passenger safety and responsible conduct by drivers and conductors.
“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.
Here are seven key requirements highlighted by the authority:
- A valid inspection certificate
School buses should have a valid inspection certificate before being used to transport learners.
NTSA has urged school administrators to ensure their transport vehicles are roadworthy and compliant with safety requirements before schools reopen.
- A valid Road Service Licence and insurance
School transport vehicles should have a valid Road Service Licence (RSL) and insurance cover.
These documents form part of the requirements NTSA expects operators to meet when transporting school-going children.
- A functional speed limiter
NTSA has also reminded operators to ensure their vehicles have functional speed limiters.
The authority said the speed limiter should also be able to transmit data to its Intelligent Road Safety Management System (IRSMS).
- Properly serviced safety components
School buses should be properly serviced before carrying learners.
NTSA specifically highlighted critical components, including brakes, tyres, lights and side mirrors, which should all be in good working condition.
- Valid driver and PSV credentials
Drivers and conductors operating school transport should have valid driving licences and PSV badges.
The requirement is intended to ensure that the people entrusted with transporting learners have the necessary documentation to operate passenger vehicles.
- Seat belts for every child
NTSA has directed drivers and conductors to ensure all children wear their seat belts throughout the journey.
The authority emphasised that learners should remain properly restrained while travelling in school transport.
- No overloading or children hanging outside
School buses should not carry more passengers than their approved capacity.
NTSA also warned that children must not travel with their heads, arms or other body parts hanging outside a moving vehicle.
As schools reopen, NTSA has urged school administrators to take responsibility for ensuring their transport vehicles are roadworthy and compliant with safety regulations.
The authority has also instructed drivers and conductors to report cases where a child is suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, reinforcing the need for responsible supervision during school journeys.
Reporting originally appeared via K24 Digital. Read the full source for additional context.