Vaz: No deaths or serious injuries in first year of rural school bus programme
Loading article...
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz addressing a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House in St Andrew on July 15, 2026. – Ian Allen photo.
The Government’s rural school bus programme has transported thousands of students safely during its first year of operation, recording no deaths or serious injuries since its launch in September 2025, according to Transport Minister Daryl Vaz.
Providing a one-year update at Wednesday’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Vaz described the initiative as one of the Government’s most successful public transportation programmes, saying it has addressed longstanding concerns about affordability, accessibility and student safety in rural communities.
He said the programme now serves approximately 349 schools through 86 dedicated routes, with about 90 buses operating daily.
More than 16,000 student trips are facilitated each day, transporting roughly 8,000 students to and from school, Vaz said.
Vaz said the fleet travels more than 228,000 kilometres each month while maintaining full compliance with GPS monitoring, scheduled maintenance and driver training requirements.
About 90 trained professional drivers operate the buses daily.
“Most importantly, since the programme’s launch, there have been no deaths or serious injuries involving students who use the school buses,” Vaz said, noting that although there have been traffic crashes involving the buses, none has resulted in the loss of life or limb.
He attributed that record, in part, to the use of purpose-built school buses, which he said are specifically designed with enhanced safety features to protect children.
The minister also reported that parent and student satisfaction with the programme stands at 100 per cent, exceeding the initial target of 85 per cent.
He added that school attendance in participating communities has improved by 95 per cent.
Looking ahead, Vaz said the Government is preparing for the programme’s second phase, with plans to add another 100 buses during the current financial year.
He noted, however, that discussions with the Ministry of Finance are continuing amid budgetary constraints.
He was quick to note that expanding the programme remains a priority for the Cabinet.
- Andre Williams
Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com or editors@gleanerjm.com.