Plan Being Finalised for Rural Transportation for Schoolchildren

The Government is concluding a plan to improve transport service for rural commuters, especially schoolchildren, says Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz.

Addressing the Standing Finance Committee in the House of Representatives on March 5, the Minister said a mechanism is being worked on to “bring some relief” to the cost of commuting, “with specific reference to students in the first instance”.

“The intention is to cause significant reduction in the cost of transportation in rural areas,” the Minister said, noting that the initiative will be private-sector driven.

He added that while his Ministry is acquiring additional buses, it is also seeking to “conduct a critical assessment” of the operations of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), and that the Auditor General’s Department (AGD) has been notified of the development.

The Minister pointed out that 10 of the new buses will be outfitted for persons with special needs, while 90 will be regular buses.

He also noted that 95 buses are being repaired, much of which will be assigned to the hilly sections of the Corporate Area that are “heavily trafficked and need to be properly serviced”.

The Minister said the deposit for 100 new buses for the JUTC has been paid, and they should be in the island by July, and be operational in time for the new school year, “which will make a huge impact for students who rely on the system”.

Mr. Vaz also reported that some 400 students are being supported by the railway transport system, at a cost of $10 million monthly.

He noted that $800 million will be spent on various airstrips and airports over the new fiscal year, for instance upgrading of the Ian Fleming International Airport, and the Tinson Pen, Vernamfield and Negril aerodromes.

An additional US$1.3 million is earmarked to procure a new instrument landing system for the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, the Minister said.