China's long-awaited regulations on school bus safety finally came into force on April 10, including an extensive list of measures aimed at reducing the risk of tragedy.

Local governments above the county level should organize licensed bus companies to provide commuting services to students and supervise their operations, the regulation says, adding that security staff should accompany students in school buses.

Should major school bus accidents occur as a result of government dereliction, responsible officials will be held accountable, the regulation provides.

The regulation also specifies stricter requirements for the technical conditions of school buses, bus drivers' qualifications, the responsibilities of security staff and penalties for those who violate the regulation.