Vaz moves to fix tyre issues in rural school bus rollout

Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz says the first day of route testing for the rural school bus system revealed a few tyre issues, which his Ministry has taken steps to resolve to ensure a smooth rollout next month.

"We have already placed orders for the shipment of new tyres to replace the existing ones on all buses before the start of September. Until then, the current tyres will be used this week as we complete the retrofitting of the buses and the testing of the remaining routes," he said in a statement on X.

He said the new tyres will be suitable for Jamaica's road conditions.

Thirty routes were tested in Manchester, rural St Andrew, St James and Hanover. Further testing will be done today in Portland, St Mary, Westmoreland and Clarendon.

The Minister noted that 63 of the 122 routes will be tested by the end of today.

"The lessons learnt from this week's activities will be implemented to ensure a smooth and seamless launch next month," he said.

The Minister has previously stated that the buses will address the inconvenience and danger faced by students, reduce transportation costs for parents, cut absenteeism and ultimately improve academic performance.

In Phase 1 of the initiative, 100 buses will be deployed to cover 258 schools across Jamaica, with an additional 10 reserved as contingency. Students will be charged a flat fare of $50.

Vaz reiterated that the Government has purchased buses of three different sizes and will ensure that the size most suitable for each route is deployed following the route testing exercise.

His statement follows the circulation of videos and images on social media showing buses breaking down, with some experiencing tyre issues.

"Please do not be disheartened or distracted by fake and disingenuous posts which started yesterday, as this Minister will remain fully transparent and accountable to the Jamaican people," he said.

The Opposition People's National Party has been vocal in its criticism of the rural school bus system, expressing concern about the age of the buses and maintaining that they are unsuitable for Jamaica's hilly terrain and pose a safety risk to students and pedestrians.

- Sashana Small

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