60 Buses to Launch Dedicated School Bus System by September 2025

Students in rural Jamaica will begin benefiting from a dedicated school-bus system in September 2025.

This was disclosed by Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, during his contribution to the 2025/26 Budget Debate in the House of Representatives on Thursday (March 20).

Dr. Holness said phase one is already under way, with the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) expanding services in Clarendon; Morant Bay, St. Thomas; and Linstead, St. Catherine, providing affordable transportation for students.

“Phase two will see 100 fully refurbished buses deployed across parishes, with 60 buses in September 2025 for the start of the new school year and another 40 buses by January 2026,” he further informed.

The Prime Minister said the buses will ensure equitable access, improved attendance and enhanced safety while easing financial burdens on families.

Dr. Holness reasoned that this marks a transformative step in making school transportation safer and more reliable and affordable for Jamaican students.

“These are school buses used in the American system. They will be refurbished, the doors will be placed on the correct side for safety and, most importantly, the speed on these buses will be governed, so they won’t be able to drive above a certain set speed, to ensure safety of the children. On some of the buses where there is connectivity, we will place cameras and the collection of fares will be digital,” Dr. Holness indicated.

He also advised that twelve 45-seater buses will be added to the existing fleet of 10 in Montego Bay, St. James.