Operations of Ondo state free school shuttle buses have been grounded since the resumption of primary and secondary schools pupils for 2019/2020 second term, leaving about 50,000 students in public schools stranded on daily basis across the state; SUNSHINETRUTH can report authoritatively.
The free shuttle buses were introduced about 8years ago by the last administration of Olusegun Mimiko and it was sustained by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s government, to convey free of charge students in public schools to and from their schools in major towns in the state.
It was learnt that that operations of the 90 shuttle buses were suspended by the state government due to an alleged lack of fund for maintenance and fueling.
Investigation revealed that the State Ministry of Transport had failed to settle debt incurred for the fueling of the buses since last year, which made the filling station owners to reject further debt.
Some parents who spoke with our reporter, lamented the non-operation of the buses since last week when schools resumed from Christmas and new year celebration break.
One of them in Akure, Mr Ajayi Adegbenro who described the situation as unfortunate, called on Governor Oluwarorimi Akeredolu not to allow the free shuttle buses initiative to die untimely.
Another parent, Mrs Mojisola Johnson from Ikare-Akoko said the suspension of the buses operations had caused untold hardship for the pupils and financial burden for parents.
However reacting in a telephone interview with SUNSHINETRUTH , the Special Adviser to the governor on transport, Mr Tobi Ogunleye dismissed insinuation that government had suspended or cancelled the free shuttle buses, adding that the non-operation was as a result of ongoing general maintenance of the vehicles.
Mr Ogunleye gave an assurance that hopefully, the shuttle buses would return to roads this week
Source:Sunshinetruth.com.ng
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