Makati City public school learners can soon enjoy free bus rides after the city government purchased six new school buses to address the students' daily commuting challenges, improve school attendance, enhance student safety, and ease the financial burden of their families.

Makati City Mayor Abby Binay said each bus will operate on a fixed route with scheduled pick-up and drop-off points covering central barangays and school zones. The service is exclusive to students enrolled in Makati's public schools.

Students will use ID cards to board the buses to ensure safety and efficient monitoring. Each vehicle will have a GPS tracking system that allows real-time updates and notifications for parents. 

Every bus will run under the supervision of a licensed driver and a transport aide trained in child safety and basic first aid.

Binay explained the program will be implemented in phases, beginning with a pilot run in select barangays and public schools with high student populations and commuting difficulties.

"Prior to full implementation, consultations will be held with school administrators, parent associations, and barangay officials to finalize routes and safety protocols. After evaluating the pilot phase, the program will be expanded to include all public schools in the city," the mayor said.

"The initiative is expected to eliminate the daily commuting expenses of low-income families, reduce tardiness and absenteeism caused by unreliable or distant transport options, and promote equal access to education for students regardless of their location within the city," she added.