SHILLONG, May 4: The Meghalaya government is currently conducting a feasibility study in Tura and Jowai towns to assess whether the successful school bus initiative launched in Shillong can be replicated in other regions.
The STEMS school buses, introduced in Shillong by the state government, aim to provide safe and efficient transportation for school students.
Saloni Verma, Additional CEO of STEMS Buses, informed that 39 buses are currently operational in Shillong, while the remaining 21 will be deployed by the end of the year.
When asked about the possibility of extending the service to other towns, she confirmed that a feasibility exercise is underway.
It is reported that the introduction of the STEMS buses has helped reduce approximately 56,000 vehicles from Shillong’s roads.
Faced with persistent traffic congestion during school hours, the government had launched 30 STEMS school buses in 2022 as a measure to ease traffic in the city.
Now, over a year into the initiative, more than 1,300 school students are availing of the service, which has proven to be an effective and safe mode of student transport.
However, some schools in the city remain hesitant to adopt the service. The authorities are currently engaging in discussions to address their concerns and encourage broader participation.
