Three upgraded school buses pictured in Qidong, a county-level city in Nantong, East China’s Jiangsu province, on Jan 18. [Photo/Qidong Daily]

The first fleet of upgraded school buses for pupils in Qidong, a county-level city in Nantong, East China’s Jiangsu province, was put into operation, on Jan 18. 

The move came as part of new government measures to improve child safety. 

The new vehicles are only available to students who live far away from their schools, with a total of 173 initially eligible to use them.   

Drivers of the new buses have to meet stricter requirements, such as not having been involved in an accident or committed a traffic violation for at least five years. And the vehicles also have upgraded safety features. 

Following a trial period, more of the upgraded school buses are expected to be introduced.