The move follows a $29 million funding allocation in the state budget to fast track the installation of seatbelts in buses, operating outside metropolitan areas, ahead of a later deadline that was set for 2023. 

“This is something our communities have been crying out for and I’m committed to making sure kids across the state can travel to school safely,”  Mr Constance said.

Bus NSW vice president and manager of Inverell Coaches, Paul Harmon, welcomed the announcement. 

“We have in our fleet some vehicles that do and some that don’t have seatbealts,” he said. 

“It would be fabulous to have all students who travel outside the town limits to have a seat belt.”