The National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ) has welcomed the news that a dedicated school bus system for rural Jamaica will be rolled out in September.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness made the announcement during his contribution to the budget debate last week.

He explained that the school buses are similar to those used in the American system.

Mr. Holness added that the speed on the buses will be set at a safe limit, the doors will be on the appropriate side for safety, and some of them will have cameras installed.

The collection of fares will also be digital.

The NPTAJ has been calling for a dedicated national bus system.

Those calls were amplified last year, following the deaths of several children in road crashes.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, President Stewart Jacobs said he is pleased that the Government has heard the pleas of the NPTAJ and of parents for a transportation system that is safe, reliable and more affordable for students.

Mr. Jacobs said he hopes that the drivers will be courteous to the students and that the students who use the buses will handle them with care.