Students who fail to obtain and top up a student transportation card will be denied access to rural school buses starting February 1, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has announced, as the Government moves to fully enforce the new system.
Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Wednesday, Vaz stressed that the transition period is coming to an end and urged parents to complete registration before the deadline. He warned that students without cards will no longer benefit from subsidised travel.
According to the minister, those who are not registered and do not load the required $50 fare onto their cards will be forced to revert to traditional transportation arrangements. This, he said, could mean paying between $300 and $600 daily and competing with adult commuters for space on public transport.
Vaz also confirmed that preparations are underway to manage demand, noting that additional bus drivers have already been trained. He emphasised that cash payments will not be accepted on the buses and again encouraged parents and students to complete the registration process promptly.
The student bus programme, which was introduced last year, has been operating without charge since September. However, Vaz said the free-service model cannot continue and must be replaced with a more sustainable system.
To support the rollout, the transport minister has called on Members of Parliament, local councillors, churches, non-governmental organisations, and other public bodies to assist with boosting registration numbers throughout January, ensuring buses operate efficiently and at full capacity.
Parents can register students through the websites and social media pages of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company and the Ministry of Education. Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon said her ministry is working closely with school administrators and will also conduct registration drives at schools to help students sign up.
Vaz further disclosed that 82 school buses have been deployed across the island since the start of the Easter Term on January 5, as the Government continues to expand and formalise the service.
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