The National Student Transportation System (TRAE) is sending a clear message on student safety: there will be zero tolerance for drug use. The authority announced that 12 bus drivers were immediately dismissed after failing random drug tests, part of the institution’s rigorous safety protocol designed to protect schoolchildren. The program was created during the Abinader administration to ensure safe transport for children to public schools.
Gabino Hernández, director of TRAE, emphasized that ensuring the integrity of students is the program’s foremost commitment. “We have a well-defined protocol: when a driver applies, we test them before they start, and then we conduct tests randomly while they are on the job,” Hernández said during an appearance on the program Fuera de Récord on Catorce TV.
“I can tell you some have tested positive and are immediately dismissed, because we will not compromise with anyone or anything on this; we are dealing with children,” the official asserted.
The TRAE system currently operates approximately 1,800 vehicles across 18 regional and 122 educational districts under the Ministry of Education. Hernández highlighted the program’s impressive safety record, noting that the system has completed more than 37 million trips on school routes without a single major accident, a success he credits to strict control, continuous training, and permanent support for all personnel, including drivers and bus aides.
“It is not just about driving a bus, but about training, responsibility, and daily discipline,” he underscored.
In addition to maintaining safety standards, Hernández announced that TRAE is expanding its commitment to social inclusion. As part of government policy, the agency will acquire 50 special buses specifically for centers serving children with disabilities, reflecting President Luis Abinader’s focus on the most vulnerable sectors.
However, the TRAE director also raised a critical safety concern regarding reckless motorists. Hernández issued a stern warning about motorcyclists who frequently ignore the stop signals of school buses, endangering students and support staff.
“Honestly, we have already had more than three cases where aides, while helping children get on or off the bus—even while holding and protecting them—have had high-speed motorcyclists snatch the children from their hands, hit them, and leave them lying on the pavement,” Hernández stated. He called for public awareness and a greater commitment to respecting traffic laws to prevent these dangerous incidents.
The official concluded by affirming that TRAE will continue to reinforce its safety protocols and launch road safety campaigns to ensure every student travels to and from school securely.
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El Nacional
7 October 2025