Transporte escolar no meio rural: a realidade do município de Juarina (TO)

Abstract

Rural school transportation is an essential service for residents of rural areas in Juarina, Tocantins. In this context, the present research is a case study that aims to present the reality of students in this territory regarding access to and permanence in educational policy, based on qualitative and quantitative data. This study seeks to demonstrate that the services offered by the municipality’s transportation network face several challenges, including old and uncomfortable vehicles, lack of seat belts, maintenance problems, and poor road conditions, which may pose risks to students during their commute to educational institutions. Methodologically, this study was based on theoretical and bibliographic materials, as well as official data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). After analyzing this social phenomenon, the research identifies some challenges and proposes suggestions for improving this public service, including the acquisition of new vehicles, investments in infrastructure, driver training, and the expansion of the fleet to include new students.