Opposition criticises use of 'old' buses for rural school bus system

 

The opposition has continued its broadside against the government's recent rollout of the Rural School Bus Programme. 

 

Shadow spokesperson for Transport Mikael Phillips and his security counterpart, Senator Peter Bunting, used their platforms on Sunday evening to blast the rollout, expressing concern for the safety of commuters, while also dismissing claims that the People's National Party is against a school bus system. 

 

Going further, Mr. Phillips, who is also member of Parliament for the Nort West Manchester, issued a direct challenge to the government for a national debate on the future of Jamaica's public transportation system as it relates to the National School Bus Programme. 

 

Mr. Phillips outlined what he described as a more equitable and effective public transport system.

 

The Shadow Minister argued that the PNP's model not only provides a greater reach for student transport, but also protects small and medium transport providers who risk being displaced by the government's model.

 

Meanwhile, Senator Bunting, in his critique, took issue with the condition of the buses, which he claimed could compromise the safety of passengers.

 

Mr. Bunting said the buses were retired and old, "many with over 10 to 15 years old with hundreds of thousands of miles", adding that they "were pulled out of circulation in the US because their engines are tired, their suspensions are worn, their wiring systems are brittle". 

 

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz indicated that the refurbished 42-seater school buses procured for the Rural School Bus Programme are primarily manufactured in the United States.