Prachuap Consumer Organization Council, in collaboration with various stakeholders, has identified Prachuap Wittayalai School as a potential learning center for implementing a safe student shuttle system. Aiming to enhance safety and efficiency, a meeting was convened at 9:00 a.m. on March 8, 2024, at the Thong Noppakhun Room in Prachuap Grand Hotel, Mueang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. Chaired by Mr. Nantapreecha Khamthong, Chairman of the Prachuap Province Consumer Organization Council, the gathering saw the participation of key figures including Ms. Thanaporn Bangbua-ngam, head of the Prachuap Provincial Agency, Phrakru Wisutthammasophit of Koh Lak Temple, Mr. Decha Rueang-on of the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office (PWA), and Mr. Jirasak Tinsuwan, Provincial Defense Officer, among others from both public and private sectors.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to establish a mechanism for the development of a safe student shuttle system at Prachuap Wittayalai School. This initiative, part of a broader project aimed at enhancing public transportation services for consumer protection in Prachuap Province, entails collaboration with the Health Promotion Foundation. It encompasses two main issues: firstly, the development of a safe student shuttle system to designate Prachuap Wittayalai School as a model school, and secondly, the enhancement of mass transit services in economically vital areas to ensure accessibility, safety, and fairness.
The proposed mechanism for the safe student shuttle system consists of nine steps, including the formation of committees and working groups, establishment of information and surveillance systems, implementation of supervision mechanisms, coordination with operators, adherence to vehicle standards, and monitoring and evaluation protocols. Additionally, discussions were held regarding the management of parking issues surrounding the school premises and nearby areas during peak hours.
In line with these efforts, guidelines for the development of a provincial school bus safety policy were deliberated upon. Representatives from Prachuap Wittayalai School, Prachuap Technical College, and Koh Lak Temple were present to provide insights and seek solutions to parking-related challenges. The meeting concluded with a call for cooperation among stakeholders to advance the implementation of these policies, ultimately aiming to ensure the safety and well-being of students and commuters alike.
