August 20, 2026

Transport Ministry actively monitoring readiness of rural school bus fleet ahead of September reopening of schools

The Transport Ministry says more than 90% of the rural school bus fleet is expected to be ready for the new academic year in September.

This is based on the progress of the repair programme.

The Transport Ministry, in a statement today, says the government is actively monitoring the readiness of the fleet, which will resume service for the September reopening of schools.

Portfolio Minister Daryl Vaz, responding to concerns raised by opposition spokesperson Mikael Phillips regarding the maintenance of the rural school buses, said the government remains focused on ensuring that the programme provides safe, affordable and reliable transportation for students, across rural Jamaica.

The Transport Ministry says the repair programme, which is led by the El-Hydro team, commenced during the summer break and involves them working to address maintenance issues and ensure units are in operable condition ahead of the September reopening of schools.

Several of the buses undergoing repairs are expected to be completed before September begins.

According to a ministry statement, as part of the summer readiness programme, all 111 buses in the Rural School Bus System fleet were included in the comprehensive maintenance plan, with 100% of the regional maintenance work plans submitted.

The programme covers preventive and corrective maintenance, including routine and full servicing, mechanical and transmission repairs, tyres, air conditioning, electrical and body repairs, as well as seating and other safety-related works.

It says based on the progress of the repair programme, more than 90% of the fleet is expected to be ready for the new school term.

The latest fleet status sees 81 of the 111 buses being operable, while 20 buses are undergoing repairs, with several of these expected to return to service ahead of the reopening of schools.

A further 10 units are earmarked for intensive repairs or replacement parts.

Mr. Vaz says the repair work has been ongoing throughout the summer to undertake the heavier maintenance activities that are more difficult to accommodate during the school term.

He says he will continue to monitor the progress and provide a further update on the fleet’s overall readiness before the new school term begins.

He stresses that the government is not taking a casual approach to the operational readiness of the fleet and that the necessary attention is being given to outstanding maintenance issues.

The minister says he has taken note of the comments by the Opposition Spokesman on Transport but cautions against causing unwarranted alarm and anxiety among parents/guardians, while the relevant agencies continue to carry out repairs and quality-assure the status of the fleet.

Mr. Vaz states that the Ministry will continue to work to strengthen the service, address operational challenges and ensure that the programme delivers on its stated purpose.