Busan to Improve Commuting Conditions for Special School and Long-Distance Students... Major Expansion of School Buses

Busan Office of Education to Add 20 School Buses for Special Schools
Support Extended to Long-Distance Kindergarten and Elementary Students

Commuting to and from school will become significantly safer and more convenient for students at special schools and long-distance commuters in the Busan area.

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education (Superintendent Kim Seokjun) announced on August 7 that it will significantly expand the number of school buses for students at special schools who face long commute times due to regional placement imbalances, as well as for students living far from their schools.

To address the commuting difficulties faced by students at special schools, Superintendent Kim Seokjun will provide an additional 20 school vehicles during his term. Of these, 16 will be leased vehicles, with operational costs and salaries for commuting support assistants covered, while 4 vehicles will be directly purchased and provided to public special schools within this year.

Previously, in April, the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education, together with the City Council's Education Committee, visited Busan Hyesung School and Busan Hyenam School to inspect the commuting environment and listen to concerns. Based on these findings, the office allocated a budget for school bus purchases in the first supplementary budget, which was approved by the City Council in June.

Schools with inadequate public transportation, construction sites near student commuting routes, or safety risks such as lack of separation between sidewalks and roadways are also eligible for additional support. Currently, a total of 117 school vehicles are in operation at 68 kindergartens and 14 elementary schools. The Office of Education plans to identify further demand and expand the scope of support.

Superintendent Kim Seokjun stated, "Guaranteeing a 30-minute commute zone for students at special schools and supporting long-distance commuters is the starting point for creating equal educational conditions and tailored student support," adding, "We will make every effort to establish a safe and equitable commuting environment."

Busan Metropolitan Office of Education.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.