School ship ensures safe transport

Leiyang (CNS) -– China's first "School boat" started its free transport service for students of Huangshi town, Leiyang city in Hunan Province on March 25. Local authorities and residents have determined a safe route for rural students commute by water.

Boat owner Wu Donglin invested 220,000 yuan to build the boat, and the local government promised him a reimbursement of 80,000 yuan and a fuel tax subsidy in line with the local favorable policy for school bus operation.

"Now it only takes one hour to return home," said a student Yang Quanwang, adding "the boat is comfortable and stable, completely different from the iron raft I used to take."

Overloading is common in the rural areas because ship owners and boat captains can only make a profit by taking as many as passengers as possible. The iron raft mentioned by the child is a rough small-sized boat, frequently seen here overloaded with people and cargo.

Wu said his boat now can now board 45 passengers every Friday and Sunday free of charge, and his commercial operation is worked into his spare time. "We put students' needs first place and stick to load limits," said Wu.

About 800 primary and high school students travel by water in Leiyang city. The local government has allocated three million yuan to build a total of 10 school boats and reconstruct a number of ports.