PHILIPSBURG--"Unfortunate" was the word used by School Bussing and Taxi Dispatching Section Head Martha Thewet to describe the stabbing incident on a school bus on Monday.

She stressed that the department has no tolerance for violence on school busses, and the safety of students using the public school bussing system will not be compromised.

"Our goal is comfort, safety and reliability while students are being transported from one point to the next," she said in a press release issued on Tuesday.

"The actions by the department have been noticeable in the past with bi-annual inspections and random controls in conjunction with the uniformed services. The last control was carried out just two Thursdays ago, and more controls are forthcoming."

The incident will be a topic of discussion at the next general bus drivers' meeting to be organised soon. This meeting takes place twice a year and the topics to be addressed are safety, loading and un-loading, dress code and cooperation with government policies.

Thewet wished the injured students a speedy recovery and called on drivers and students to cooperate with the Police Department who are currently investigating the incident.

The Section School Bussing is also appealing to parents to speak with their children about proper behaviour while being transported on a school bus to and from school.

"Safety is our main concern. Any bus driver who experiences any challenges while bussing school children is asked to contact the school principal and the School Bus Inspection Section immediately.

"Everyone has to abide by the rules and regulations governing the safe transport of school children," she stressed.

Parents who would like bussing information can call the section at telephone number 542-4511 or 542-4509 for additional information.