Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has described as unsurprising the stance taken by some supporters of the Opposition as it relates to the now controversial Rural School Bus System.

The matter has been the subject of debate by members of both the Government and Opposition, as to the merits and demerits of the system, with each side positing that they have the better transportation plan.

In a statement today, Vaz took note of what he deems the continued efforts of the People’s National Party and other social media commentators to discredit the bus system which he says will provide safe, reliable and convenient service to children and will reduce transportation costs being faced by parents.

Mr. Vaz alleged that the latest effort by the Opposition involved social media posts by individuals he claimed are PNP bloggers.

He said these posts question the cost of the buses and the inspection routine.

Mr. Vaz stressed that the buses have undergone rigorous inspection at various levels, including by the United States Department of Transport, Jamaica Urban Transit Company engineers and were subjected to fitness procedures undertaken by the Island Traffic Authority.

The buses also contain stickers which confirm inspection overseas as recently as this year.

Current inspection approval decals for 2025 are affixed to the vehicles.

Vaz also pointed to a social media post of an invoice pertaining to some of the 110 buses which have been purchased.

He said the invoice does not reflect the sale price of the majority of the buses which have been purchased.

The invoice also does not reflect additional costs, including expenses associated with retrofitting of the buses, including doors; 5 to 6 cameras per bus; driver monitoring system and network; parts for one year for all buses; maintenance contract for one year; geo-fencing service; cashless fare system; customs duty; inland transport of buses; and sea freight.

Mr. Vaz claimed that the PNP are trying to deceive Jamaicans.

The Minister said following the Opposition’s previous declaration that it supports the implementation of a school bus system, he is not surprised that supporters of the party continue to discredit the initiative.