STEMS Shared School Buses

The Sustainable Transport and Efficient Mobility Society (STEMS) was established to address the growing traffic congestion caused by daily school commutes. Studies found that nearly 60% of parents were driving their children to and from school every day, contributing significantly to congestion, particularly during school opening and closing hours.

To address this challenge, STEMS introduced a technology-backed school transportation platform that provides parents with a safe, convenient and efficient alternative to private vehicles. The initiative has brought together schools, parents and transport services to create a more sustainable approach to school mobility.

Today, STEMS serves more than 3,800 students across over 90 buses, helping reduce the number of private vehicles on Shillong's roads. Each STEMS bus is estimated to take approximately 10 private cars off the streets, contributing to smoother traffic movement around schools and reducing congestion during peak hours.

The initiative is also delivering tangible benefits to families. Each participating family saves approximately ₹1,000 per month on fuel and other commuting costs, while saving more than an hour every day that would otherwise be spent dropping off and picking up children. STEMS is therefore not only improving mobility but also making daily life easier for families while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable Shillong.