The national rural school bus programme will be expanding its service to St. Thomas, with a new route that becomes effective tomorrow.

This new route will be from Bethel / Cedar Valley to Morant Bay.

The transport ministry said this development comes in response to community concerns regarding the initial rollout of the programme.

There were claims that some students were refusing to take the school buses, but upon making checks it was found that the concern stemmed from the route being designated a special needs one.

The first route, from Albion to Pear Tree River, was designated as a special needs service.

It was established to cater primarily to the Lyssons Centre of Excellence which has two campuses on that corridor.

Portfolio minister Daryl Vaz has sought to reassure residents that the parish has not been overlooked and that adjustments are being made to address concerns.

Mr. Vaz pointed out that in phase 2 of the programme, between September and November, more routes will be implemented for St. Thomas.