GraceKennedy Payment Services (GKPS) has expanded its services through a partnership with Elhydro Limited to include card top-up services for the National Rural School Bus Programme (NRSBP) at all Bill Express locations island-wide.

The recent launch of the new initiative will ensure students and parents in rural parishes have a reliable, physical location to manage their travel funds. 

Commenting on the new service, Margaret Campbell, CEO of GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS), noted the company’s commitment to supporting national initiatives that drive social progress.

“By integrating the National Rural School Bus Programme into our Bill Express network, we are not just facilitating transactions; we are supporting the educational journey of our nation’s youth and providing convenience and peace of mind to parents”, she shared at the partnership signing at GraceKennedy headquarters in Downtown, Kingston. 

Terence Slater, regional manager for GKPS, emphasised the accessibility of the service.

“Our strategic push has always been to meet our customers wherever they are. By leveraging our 300-plus Bill Express retail facilities, we are ensuring that parents and guardians in even the most remote areas of the country, especially those currently hindered by connectivity issues, now have a convenient, affordable way to have their children get to school safely,” he noted.

Major Paul Brown, vice-president of Elhydro, added that the partnership aligns with a shared commitment to empowering students. He noted that the service is a vital solution for those “impacted by Hurricane Melissa who remain without internet connectivity and can now visit a physical location.” 

To assist families during this transition, a subsidised customer fee of $25.00 per transaction will be in effect until June 30, 2026. Following this period, the standard customer fee of $65.00 per transaction will apply. 

To top up, customers must provide the alphanumeric characters found on the front of the student card. First-time users will also need to provide their name, phone number, address, and email address if available. 

While the service is open to all parents, students aged 15 and older may top up independently with a valid student ID. Adults must accompany students under 15.

Unauthorised adults are strictly prohibited from riding the school buses. 

The National Rural School Bus Programme launched in September 2025 to provide safe, affordable transportation for students. It serves all rural parishes, including sections of St Andrew, St Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, Trelawny, St Ann, St Mary, Portland and St Thomas.