The Opposition has hit back at the Government over the National School Bus Programme in what has become a major issue ahead of elections expected later this year.

Spokesman on Transport and Mining Mikael Phillips, is dismissing claims that the PNP opposes a school bus system.

The Opposition has heaped heavy criticism on the Government’s initiative.

The latest defence of the plan came from Education Minister, Dr Dana Morris Dixon yesterday, who said the Opposition’s attacks on the rural school bus system are baseless, unfortunate and unhelpful.

She stated that the Government will not be distracted from implementing the rural school bus system to be rolled out in September.

However, speaking at a PNP meeting in Manchester last night, Mr Phillips declared that the issue is how the school bus system is being implemented.

He stated that the Government’s plan will push transport operators in the system out of business.