AISCTA President expresses concerns as school van and bus drivers seek employment elsewhere
View(s):Lack of financial relief and strict health guidelines are driving genuine school van and bus drivers away from their jobs and may cause a serious transport issue for students in future, the All-Island School Children Transport Association (AISCTA) said recently.
“There are 22,000 members in our association and about 48,000 van drivers all over the country. Their families are totally depending on the income generated by driving students to and from schools. We are able to wear masks, but keeping physical distance in a school van or minibus is not possible, as it will be a loss for us,” said the Association’s President Malsri de Silva.
He said the situation in the Western Province closure had a bigger effect, as most school van service providers were based in this province.
“From January 11, we get to transport O/L students. We will ensure all health and hygiene measures are taken. Most drivers are disappointed in parents for not paying them even for the few days their children travel to school. Some parents even switch off their phones when we call asking for our payments. We fear parents will avoid paying us this month too,” he added.
Despite talks with top education and transport officials, there was no assuring relief for registered van drivers yet, Mr. de Silva said.
“Even last year’s loan relief came with an 11.5 percent interest. They have promised to gives us loans this year as well. But if the interest is too high, we will be under pressure, and we will not be able to overcharge parents. Finance companies have put many drivers in trouble during the past few months. Some have left their jobs as school van drivers and joined companies, while others are using their vehicles to transport goods. Parents will struggle to find van drivers in future,” he said.
He also feared genuine van drivers leaving their job would affect an industry closely monitored to ensure that child predators were not allowed to endanger school children. He said this would only put school children at risk. (NF)