First Set of Buses for Rural School Transport System Headed to Jamaica
Government Pushes Forward with Plan to Bridge Educational Access Gap
Kingston, Jamaica – June 21, 2025 — The Government of Jamaica has officially commenced shipment of the first set of school buses under its groundbreaking Rural School Bus System, a major initiative aimed at transforming education access for students in rural communities.
The buses, currently being loaded for shipment to the island, mark a significant step toward providing equitable transportation for thousands of students outside the Kingston and St. Andrew metropolitan area. The new system is designed to eliminate the challenges rural students face in getting to and from school safely, reliably, and affordably.
“We are building a better Jamaica,” a government spokesperson stated. “This initiative is about fairness—ensuring that students from rural parishes enjoy the same benefits and support systems that students in the capital have come to rely on for decades.”
Bridging the Gap
In many parts of rural Jamaica, long commutes, limited access to public transportation, and high costs have created barriers to education for countless families. In some areas, students must walk miles to get to school or depend on irregular transport, which can lead to inconsistent attendance and safety risks.
The Rural School Bus System seeks to address these issues by rolling out a structured, government-supported fleet that will service key rural areas across the island. Phase one includes the deployment of modern, climate-controlled buses, fully equipped with safety features and operated by trained personnel.
National Development Through Education
The Ministry of Education has praised the initiative, noting that transportation plays a critical role in ensuring access to education and, by extension, long-term national development.
“This isn’t just about buses,” said the Minister of Education. “This is about leveling the playing field, improving school attendance, boosting academic performance, and reducing dropout rates across rural Jamaica.”
The program also supports the government’s broader commitment to inclusive development, with plans to expand routes and services in stages over the coming months.
Community Impact
Parents and educators in rural areas have welcomed the news, expressing hope that the new system will ease the burden on families and improve students’ focus and punctuality.
“It’s a blessing,” said a parent in Clarendon. “Many of us have had to make tough choices between transportation and lunch money. This will make a real difference.”
The buses are expected to arrive in Jamaica by early July, with service set to begin in time for the new academic year.
The confirmation came from Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, during the arrival ceremony of 63 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses for the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) at Kingston Wharves on Thursday, June 19.
“Next week, we’ll be back here [at Kingston Wharves] for the first set of school buses, and we’ll be back here every week for the next three or four weeks until the 110 buses arrive,” Minister Vaz announced.
“This is to ensure they are in place and ready to go out for the 2025/26 academic year beginning in September.”
A Game-Changer for Rural Education
The Rural School Bus Programme is part of a wider government strategy to improve equity in education, particularly for students living outside of the Kingston and St. Andrew metropolitan area.
Currently, many rural students face long, costly, and often unsafe commutes to school. By providing dedicated and reliable transportation, the programme aims to ease that burden and increase school attendance, punctuality, and academic performance.
The new school buses will be rolled out across various parishes and are expected to serve thousands of students from underserved communities.
A Broader Commitment to Modernizing Transport
The upcoming arrival of the school buses follows the recent delivery of 63 CNG-powered buses for the JUTC—a move that also reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing the public transportation fleet while incorporating cleaner, more sustainable fuel alternatives.
Minister Vaz emphasized the significance of both initiatives:
“Whether it’s urban or rural, students and commuters alike deserve safe, reliable, and efficient transportation. These investments are about national progress, environmental responsibility, and above all, equity.”
Looking Ahead
The complete fleet of 110 school buses is scheduled to arrive in stages over the next three to four weeks. Once processed and deployed, they will be ready to begin operations at the start of the new school year in September 2025.
Parents, educators, and community leaders have applauded the initiative, with many describing it as a “lifeline” for rural education and a bold step forward in Jamaica’s development agenda.
Contact:
Ministry of Education & Youth
Email: info@moey.gov.jm
Phone: +1 (876) XXX-XXXX
Website: www.moey.gov.jm