Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has dismissed claims that the 110 buses being imported for the rural school bus system are old and unsafe.

He commented on the matter at a press conference this morning.

His remarks follow statements by the Opposition People’s National Party, PNP that the buses are old, retired and unsafe for students. 

This morning, the PNP 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 under the Rural School Bus System.

At today’s briefing Mr. Vaz explained that vehicles in Jamaica’s transport sector have an average age of 14 years old.

He said the buses being imported from the United States are 8 to 10 years old.

He said the buses being imported have lower mileage than other vehicles in the transport system.

Meantime, the Opposition People’s National Party, PNP continues to express concern about the buses procured for the rural school bus system.

In a statement this morning, Opposition Spokesman on Transport Mikael Phillips, said while the PNP supports the implementation of a comprehensive rural school transportation system, such a system must be grounded in safety, operational efficiency and with specifications suitable to the Jamaican terrain for long-term sustainability. 

He said the current government initiative, which involves the importation of decommissioned buses for use on rural routes, raises serious concerns.

The PNP has noted that these buses were retired from service in their country of origin, specifically because they had aged out of systems considered safe and reliable for schoolchildren. 

Mr. Phillips said it is therefore highly questionable for the Jamaican government to now deploy these same units to transport Jamaica’s children across hilly, winding rural routes, without tests and a clear public explanation of their fitness for purpose or maintenance capacity.