Subsidising taxis – an existing transport type that already functions well – would help to remedy the situation quicker than building schools closer to built up areas. The subsidies could also be contingent on strict vehicle safety regulations and good driving behaviour. This should be a short-term solution while more schools, closer to built-up areas, are built as the more long-term plan.

Access requirements and solutions will be location specific. I do not think it possible to provide a one solution for all learners. A solution used in the 1920's (I think) for children of bywoners on farms was to build hostels at centralised schools and bring children to the schools for the week or longer. An opportunity also for improved food and homework/ after school support. A limited boarding school option for those too far to transport on a daily basis.

Taxis are nimbler than buses

On-line teaching is worthwhile and is certainly the cheapest option.

School buses may be marginally safer than taxis. Of course the law says transport must be provided if the school is more than 5km away, but nobody pays the slightest attention to the law.

Children can walk to the nearest school bus stop which should provide wider coverage of the areas concerned.

I actually think bicycles in rural areas could be a great part of the solution where it might not be that economical to run buses. The charity Qhubeka has done a great job at providing bicycles to pupils who have to travel a long way to school. To date they have distributed 110 000 (not all to school children). If this could be scaled up it would be wonderful. A bicycle gives a child independence apart from providing a way to get to school and greatly reduces the time taken if they are currently walking.

If the schools were closer more extra mural activity could take place there ie sport, extra lessons, societies, food gardens, dance classes, etc. I am sure even if busses or taxis were supplied it would be difficult to co-ordinate the various departure times.

I needed an option that said "all of the above" (but not the one that says things are okay - because plainly they aren't.)

I think the challenge with Education is that the unions run the show and if that is your constituancy, then dont rock the boat. How is it that every country around SA, with much less boodle, manages to turn out a much more rounded learner. It's the quality of the teacher, and good students beget good teachers later!

Hi, Seems subsidizing local, approved, taxi transport would be more cost effective as against investing in busses run by Gov. that will stand idle for much of rest of day. Bussing is done in America and seems to be efficient, we could learn lessons from looking how that is done. The solution should support both the pupils walking long(difficult) distance, the local community and economy.N

School buses would be better than taxis but probably more costly since they will be used only twice a day and not at all during holidays . I imagine taxis would be more flexible in terms of time oof trips, number of pupils (in smaller schools) needing to go in a given direction. It’s a complex problem in rural areas.

Why do students not ride bicycles to school and home? Much faster than walking! I used to live 7.5 miles from school, and ride my bike there.

Why do students not ride bicycles to school and home? Much faster than walking! I used to live 7.5 miles from school, and ride my bike there.

I opted for subsidizing taxis as it would be less costly that investing in school buses which would only be in operation twice a day.