GraceKennedy and Elhydro Launch In-Store Top-Up Service for Rural School Bus Programme

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Parents and students in rural communities now have easier access to funds for the National Rural School Bus Programme, thanks to a new partnership between GraceKennedy Payment Services (GKPS) and Elhydro Limited.

The collaboration introduces an in-store card top-up service at all Bill Express locations islandwide, providing a reliable, physical option for managing school bus payments, particularly for families in areas with limited connectivity.

A signing ceremony marking the launch took place at GraceKennedy headquarters in downtown Kingston. Speaking on the initiative, GKPS Regional Manager Terence Slater emphasized the company’s commitment to serving customers wherever they are, noting that the service leverages over 300 Bill Express retail points to reach even the most remote communities.

Major Paul Brown, Vice-President of Elhydro, highlighted that the partnership reflects a shared focus on empowering students and supporting access to education.

To ease the transition, a subsidized transaction fee of $25 per top-up will be in effect until June 30, 2026, after which the standard $65 fee will apply. The service is cash-only, with funds available on bus cards within 30 minutes of topping up.

The initiative aims to ensure that students in rural parishes can travel to school safely and conveniently, while parents and guardians gain a dependable and accessible way to manage transportation funds.