BLITAR – Blitar transportation authorities have intensified tourist bus safety checks and urged schools to verify vehicle roadworthiness before organizing study tours or student travel activities.
The Blitar Transportation Agency, known locally as Dishub, launched the initiative in response to growing concerns over traffic accidents involving public transportation in several regions across Indonesia. Officials also expect student travel activity to increase in the coming months.
Widhianto, Head of Road Safety at the Blitar Transportation Agency, said the agency had sent formal warnings and recommendations to schools throughout the regency.
Officials asked schools to carefully inspect the condition of buses before renting vehicles for educational trips or tourism activities. The agency also encouraged schools to review legal documents and operational permits before departure.
“We have asked schools to thoroughly check roadworthiness and administrative documents before any tourism trip begins,” Widhianto said. “Schools should not ignore safety standards simply because operators offer lower prices.”
The Transportation Agency has also strengthened field supervision through routine safety inspections, commonly known as ramp checks. Officers inspect important vehicle components, including braking systems, lights, tires, and official vehicle inspection certificates.
According to Widhianto, officers now conduct inspections not only at terminals but also during joint roadside operations with local police. Inspection teams use portable ramp check equipment to detect buses operating in unsafe conditions.
The agency hopes the tighter monitoring system will reduce the risk of technical failures during school trips and tourism travel. Officials want bus operators to improve maintenance standards and carry out internal inspections before departure.
“Safety is a shared responsibility,” Widhianto explained. “Bus companies must inspect their fleets properly, while schools also need to actively verify the condition of vehicles they rent.”
The Transportation Agency has recently increased attention on school transportation because many schools in Blitar organize study tours and outdoor learning activities involving long-distance travel.
Authorities believe stronger cooperation between schools, transportation companies, and government agencies can help prevent future accidents. Officials also reminded bus operators to comply fully with transportation safety regulations.
Besides monitoring tourist buses, Dishub officers continue supervising school buses operating across Blitar Regency. Inspectors regularly evaluate vehicle condition to ensure students travel safely during daily school transportation.
Local officials stressed that public awareness remains essential in improving transportation safety. They urged schools and parents to prioritize vehicle quality and safety records over rental costs when choosing transportation services.
“We want every school trip and tourism journey in Blitar to run safely without technical problems,” Widhianto said.