EDUCATION Minister Peter Weir has launched a fleet of new high-specification school buses.

The investment of £13 million will see 116 new school buses on the road this monthm which will transport 3,500 pupils to mainstream and special schools across Northern Ireland.

A further £18 million will be invested over the coming year.

Speaking at the launch at Lagan College, Minister Weir said: “I am pleased to be here today to launch the first fleet of new high-specification school buses.

"The safety of our young people is my top priority, and through this [overall] investment of £31m, by the end of the year, parents can be assured that their children have safe and reliable transport for their home to school journey.

“Home to school transport plays an integral part in young people’s educational experience and by investing in new buses and improving the experience of children travelling to school in modern, comfortable buses, we are helping to provide children with the best opportunity to reach their full potential.

"With greater fuel efficiency and lower emissions, these buses will also be better for the environment.”

The Education Authority runs one of the largest bus fleets in Northern Ireland, with more than 800 buses helping to transport 86,000 pupils to school and college each day.

Eve Bremner, Assistant Director of Transport at the Education Authority, said: “In 2020, we began a five-year investment programme to modernise our school bus fleet.

"By the end of this year, we will have invested £31 million, and after five years, we aim to have replaced 50 per cent of our buses.

"The new vehicles provide an improved passenger experience, as well as having enhanced safety features and increased seating capacity.

“We’re delighted to be here to launch some of our new models. They demonstrate our commitment to continue to provide a high-quality, safe and efficient service to the 86,000 pupils we transport every day.

"We’re looking forward to welcoming pupils on board.”