Makati Mayor Abby Binay announced the city government has acquired six new school buses to provide free transportation for public school students.

On Wednesday, the Makati mayor disclosed that the free bus service aims to alleviate daily commuting challenges, improve school attendance, enhance student safety, and reduce the financial burden on families.

“With this new initiative, we are making it easier for students to get to school safely and on time so they can focus on learning,” Binay said.

The buses will operate on fixed routes with scheduled pick-up and drop-off points covering central barangays and school zones, exclusively serving students enrolled in Makati’s public schools.

Students will use ID cards for boarding, and each bus will be equipped with a GPS tracking system for real-time updates and parental notifications. Licensed drivers and transport aides trained in child safety and first aid will supervise each vehicle.

The city plans to implement the program in phases, starting with a pilot run in select barangays and 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. The program will be expanded citywide after evaluating the pilot phase.