The Ministry of Public Education (MEP) and the Public Transport Council (CTP) released a new guide on Mar. 24 aimed at addressing violence, risk, or vulnerability among students using paid student transport services.
The initiative seeks to provide timely responses and maintain order and discipline within student transportation units. The effort is described as an inter-institutional collaboration intended to promote harmony across all educational spaces, including the commute for students.
SofÃa RamÃrez, Administrative Vice Minister of MEP, said that the guide results from joint work between institutions and aims to foster peaceful environments for students during their journeys. The CTP highlighted the importance of this tool in ensuring safe travel for minors. “This joint effort with MEP allows comprehensive management of safety for minors, ensuring that travel between home and school is a protected environment free from violence,” according to statements from the council.
Rafael Herrera, Executive Director of CTP, said: “Esta guÃa se realizó con el objetivo de dotar a los conductores de una herramienta clara para detectar y actuar ante situaciones crÃticas. Su valor radica en que ofrece seguridad y protocolos definidos tanto para los conductores como para los padres de familia y los centros educativos, estableciendo un estándar de respuesta inmediata ante cualquier riesgo.” (“This guide was created with the aim of providing drivers with a clear tool to detect and act in critical situations. Its value lies in offering security and defined protocols both for drivers as well as parents and schools, establishing an immediate response standard against any risk.”)
The guidelines instruct drivers and assistants to encourage safe travel by setting clear rules inside vehicles—such as requiring all students remain seated during transit; prohibiting putting hands out windows or jumping inside; banning foul language; forbidding consumption of alcohol, vaping devices or psychoactive substances.
In cases where violence occurs during transport service use—including fights endangering lives or suspected sexual assault—drivers must immediately coordinate with emergency services (9-1-1) and submit confidential incident reports to school authorities. Students who violate these rules may face legal consequences under juvenile criminal law if aged 12–18 years old or under general penal code if older; non-compliance by carriers could result in loss of operating permits.
With this instrument, government officials reaffirm their commitment to comprehensive student safety.
