By: Georgetta Williams

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the Rural School Bus System is a “win-win” for the  government, public transport operators and students. 

He made the statement during a press conference in Kingston this morning. 

His remarks come after the Opposition People’s National Party, PNP criticized the bus system, citing issues with its implementation and possible effects on taxi operators.

The PNP also claimed that the buses are old, retired and unsafe for students. 

This morning, the Opposition called on the government to be transparent about the condition, inspection history, and long-term viability of the buses  imported,  to be used to transport students.

At today’s press briefing Mr. Vaz explained that vehicles in Jamaica’s transport sector have an average age of 14 years and the buses being imported from the United States are 8 to 10 years old.

Mr. Vaz noted that since the introduction of the initiative no public transport operator or association has made any complaint. 

Meanwhile, President of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services, TODSS,  Egeton Newman says while the bus system looks like a win win, it is not as public transport operators will lose.