School transport to be monitored via a digital platform, purchased with the EU support

All school buses in Moldova have been equipped with GPS devices to enhance student safety and ensure the efficient use of transportation resources. Each vehicle used to transport children will be monitored through a digital platform accessible via both a web interface and mobile applications. The devices were purchased with the support of the European Union, as part of a project implemented by UNDP and UNICEF.

“This modern solution enables real-time monitoring of school buses, tracking fuel consumption, automation of route sheets, and route optimization. The system helps improve student safety and ensures public resources are used more efficient,” says Ana Moraru, Project Manager at UNDP Moldova.

“This initiative is part of the Ministry of Education and Research’s ongoing efforts to improve student safety and modernize educational infrastructure. The GPS devices were installed between August and September, and training the people responsible for school transport will help us make the most of this new resource”, explains Sergiu Coceaș, Senior Consultant at the Ministry of Education and Research.

So far 500 GPS devices have been purchased for school buses managed by regional and municipal Education, Youth, and Sports Departments as well as by schools themselves. All school buses purchased in the future will also be equipped with GPS tracking.

Earlier, under the “Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All” project – implemented by UNDP and UNICEF with EU support – 10 school buses were distributed to schools across the country. The total value of the investment exceeds €635,000.

Each of the new school buses has 14 seats, including two adapted for wheelchair users, and is equipped with an access ramp. The vehicles feature stability control systems, surveillance cameras, air conditioning, automatic steps, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers.

The national school bus fleet currently provides daily transport for approximately 15,000 students from towns and villages to schools and other educational activities.

The “Advancing Quality Education and Lifelong Learning Opportunities for All” project has a total budget of €10 million and is being implemented between 2024 and 2027. Of the total number of 90 future model schools, 10 are receiving support from the EU and UNDP. In these schools, physics, chemistry and biology laboratories are being renovated, and teachers and managers are participating in training courses to strengthen their professional skills.

Another objective of the project is to strengthen links between schools and the labour market. To this end, several career guidance activities will be organized to help students prepare for choosing their future professions. At the same time, the European Union and UNDP will support the development and testing of a national digital skills programme for adults.