People’s National Party (PNP) supporters in Manchester voiced support for the Rural School Bus Programme but stressed that major improvements were needed. They argued that the buses now in use were unsuitable for rural terrain and raised concerns about safety and reliability. Several called for newer, smaller, and more durable vehicles, while others suggested integrating local taxi drivers to strengthen the service and ensure students travel more comfortably and securely.

PNP supporters back school bus programme but demand safer, better vehicles

Jamaica Gleaner/26 Aug 2025/Tanesha Mundle/ Staff Reporter

PEOPLE’S NATIONAL Party (PNP) supporters in Mandeville, Manchester, on Sunday threw their support behind the Government’s Rural School Bus Programme but blasted its poor execution, citing subpar buses and safety concerns.

The bus programme, introduced by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) administration to ease transportation burdens for rural schoolchildren, was widely acknowledged by rally attendees as a “good idea” that addresses a real need. However, many called for urgent improvements in the type of buses being used.

“It is a good programme, but di bus dem no good,” said Kevin, a farmer from Manchester.

“If dem did go Toyota Jamaica and purchase some brand new Coaster for our beautiful and caring children, that would be better.”

The farmer added that if the PNP forms the next government, priority should be given to replacing the current buses with safer, more durable models.

“We affi go purchase new buses to carry our loving and beautiful children, because dem one deh nuh good. We see dem a crash and bruck down.”

Others echoed the call for better vehicles.

“A waa good initiative, but dem should get betta buses,” said Gary Douglas, a sales executive, who also endorsed the PNP proposal to integrate local taxi drivers to assist with transporting students.

“The taxi men need to eat, too,” he added.

Unemployed youth Govi, 22, supported the idea of the programme, but questioned the suitability of the buses for rural terrain.

“The road dem no wide enough fi dem big bus deh. If my party win, me think dem fi get some smaller buses.”

Keisha Mitchell, another sales executive in attendance, welcomed the programme in principle but raised concerns about student safety in hilly areas like Manchester.

“It’s a good initiative. Not knocking the bus programme, but more concerned about the safety,” she said.

“We have a lot of hilly terrains and I don’t believe the buses are the best fit for the roadways here.”

PRESSING AHEAD

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz, however, has insisted that the Government is pressing ahead with the programme and will be rolling out 110 buses for the start of the new school year in September.

“I want to assure you that no matter what you hear and you see pon social media, come next week, I have the school buses ready to roll out on September morning and no guy can’t stop that!” Vaz emphasised during a Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) mass rally in Sam Sharpe Square, Montego Bay, St James, on Sunday night.

Vaz further shared that modifications and upgrades have already been made to the fleet of buses.

“I changed the doors from the right-hand side to the left-hand side, I put on brand new tyres

on all 110 buses,” he said.

Vaz further promised that if the JLP is returned to power following the September 3 general election, the number of routes will be expanded over two years.

“And listen to this now. I’m going to give you 122 routes across Jamaica with 258 schools. And in two years, I’m going to give you that other 600 schools, totalling 858 rural schools across Jamaica, and no guy can stop that!” Vaz said.

Pointing to what he considered a critical need for the buses, Vaz cited alarming statistics on children affected by road accidents. He reported that 743 students have been injured in road crashes and 63 killed in traffic accidents over the past two years, while 15 children in rural areas have lost their lives since the start of the year.

Despite supporting the Government’s Rural School Bus Programme, several of the PNP supporters who spoke with The Gleaner expressed distrust towards the JLP administration, citing dishonesty, favouritism, and neglect of the poor.

“The lies and dishonesty; they took 200 per cent and gave me 20 (per cent),” said a teacher, who accused the Government of prioritising the rich. “They’re not for the poor.” Several also referenced a lack of access to work opportunities and resources under the current administration.

“Two time me go fi farm work ticket and dem point me out and me no get through,” said Douglas.

“Even with the School Bus Programme, me see dem advertise for driver and when me go down deh, dem turn me down.”

The farmer, reflecting on the COVID-19 period, criticised what he said was the Government’s double standards.

“You see da Government, dem is not for the poor. Inna COVID, dem lock we down and dem friend uptown a party,” he said, still seemingly peeved.

While rally-goers were quick to critique the JLP, some also shared praise for specific PNP proposals, including the Rent-toown housing policy and farmer support programmes.

Mitchell described the Rentto-own plan as “absolutely fabulous”, while also endorsing policies to boost food security by providing farmers with government support and equipment access.

Though Douglas criticised the JLP, he singled out the policy to assist with university tuition for first-generation students as one worthy of praise.

“Me believe di youth dem fi get education, and education a one way fi get de youth dem fi better demself,” he said.

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