Excited schoolchildren headed off for the first day of the 2011 academic year; and Rea Vaya buses got them to their lessons on time.

REA Vaya stations were bustling with activity early this morning, with learners returning to school after the summer holidays.

Matriculant Mbali Maseko is excited to be going back to school

For Mbali Maseko, a Grade 12 pupil at St Matthews's High School in Soweto who regularly uses Rea Vaya buses, the prospect of going back to school is exciting. "It will be a great day for me, especially the maths and science classes," she said.

Impressed with Rea Vaya's efficiency, she said she would continue taking the buses throughout the year. "It is very comfortable and I am able to use them any time."

Noluthando Mkhwanazi, who is in Grade 11 at Pace Commercial College, echoed her sentiments. "It feels great to be going back to school and I hope everything goes well today," she said.

Noluthando, who started using Rea Vaya in 2009, described her experience: "The travelling time is shorter and I am now able to get to school in time for lessons … I will continue to use this bus until I complete my studies."

Blessing Manyatshe, in Grade 12, is taking Rea Vaya for the first time

Blessing Manyatshe, in Grade 12 at Silver Oaks Secondary School in Eldorado Park, pranced up and down excitedly at Thokoza Park Station in Soweto. "It is actually my first time to use Rea Vaya buses and I cannot wait for the adventure," he said.

In the past, he took two taxis just to get to school. "I used to spend a lot of money everyday using taxis until I heard from mafethu [classmates] about how cheap and comfortable the bus is," Blessing said.

Lehlohonolo Ntai, who began his last year of schooling at Soweto's Willow Crescent School today, said he was going to miss riding on the bus to school. "The bus rides smoothly and it is cheaper and safer."

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