Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has strongly defended the government’s Rural School Bus System amid what he described as disingenuous and politically motivated attacks by the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP).

Vaz stated that although the opposition has sought to turn the bus system into a political football, he noted that the system is not a matter to be politicised because it benefits all rural parents and students regardless of colour, creed or political affiliation.

“It is indeed unfortunate that in 2025, our level of political maturity in and out of election season is not where it should be. Where we are all able to collaborate and agree to disagree in a civil manner while always looking out for those whom we serve or who we want to serve, and that is the people of Jamaica,” Vaz said.

He has since rejected the claims of the Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding, and Senator Peter Bunting, who have alleged that the buses are being brought in to “kill off” the Jamaican children.

“Let me state categorically that July 5th and 6th, 2025, are among the saddest and darkest days in our history, based on these wicked, evil statements, made particularly by Mark Golding and Peter Bunting, along with others in their party. It is simply bad mind on steroids. I wish to categorically reject these allegations as false, reckless, and a desperate attempt to use our children to attain power at any and all costs.

“This must never be forgotten, and they must be judged and rejected out of hand for these wicked and evil thoughts,” Vaz added.

Feasibility of the Rural School Bus System

Vaz also addressed concerns about the 10-year life span of the buses, emphasising that the opposition has described the rural buses being purchased as old while promising to pay transport operators, including bus operators, and other motorists with ProBox or AD Wagons. \

“Well, the fact is, the average age of buses and cars in the public transportation system currently is between 14 and 18 years old. It’s way above the average age of the buses, which are being brought in as part of the rollout of the National Rural School Bus System.

“Furthermore, the buses under the Rural School Bus System generally have way less mileage and a better maintenance history compared to what exists in the wider registered public transportation system. The average mileage on the buses being brought in is approximately 135,000 miles, with some having as low as 70,000 miles,” Vaz continued.

He stated that the comments from the opposition confirm that their objection to the Rural School Bus System is not based on principle. “What is very clear in my mind, and should be to all Jamaicans, is that the People’s National Party will once again discontinue the Rural School Bus System if given the opportunity by the people of Jamaica. Their comments represent another sign of their vulgar, opportunistic and unhelpful habit of seeking to tear down any plan put forward by the government to respond to the challenges being faced by the Jamaican people.”

Vaz said the buses are safe for transporting students. He also noted that the government has purchased the buses from the American system because they have a robust combination of safety, reliability, advanced technology, and an attractive total cost of ownership.

“The buses which we use under the Rural School Bus system in Jamaica will have unparalleled protection for children and adult passengers alike. Additionally, it is important to note that the Rural School Bus programme has a dedicated JUTC team that inspects the school buses purchased from America to ensure their safety, reliability, comfort, and annual maintenance costs… The units are inspected by both overseas and local experts, whose confirmation of them meeting the required standard is obtained prior to the admission of a bus to our fleet,” Vaz confirmed, noting that the children’s safety is the government’s number one priority.