The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the Cabinet has approved full subsidy for increased bus fares starting this month for all students holding blue and yellow bus cards.
In a statement, Minister Aseri Radrodro, responsible for education, announced a 100 percent subsidy for blue card holders and a 50 percent subsidy for yellow card holders, alleviating any financial burden on parents.
Radrodro emphasized that students should continue to utilize their blue and yellow cards as they have previously done. Blue card holders can start redeeming their bus cards today, with the Ministry set to directly pay the 100 percent subsidy to Vodafone at the end of each month.
For yellow card holders, the same topping-up process will apply, with parents adding funds, while the Ministry will cover the 50 percent subsidy directly to Vodafone monthly.
Radrodro also noted that the existing restrictions on Blue Subsidised card usage will remain enforced:
– Blue Cards will not be usable during school holidays and weekends.
– There are specific time restrictions for Blue Subsidised card usage: from 6:30 am to 9:00 am and 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm.
– A 15-minute gap is required between taps for Blue Card holders.