St Catherine school-bus system expands

Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

The St Catherine School Transport Association (Contract) Limited is changing the way students in the parish commute to and from school.

According to the company's chairman, Hector Rowe, the aim is to structure the sector so as to make operators more accountable for those in their charge. "We are spreading the operation throughout St Catherine and we are growing each day, with new members coming on board to strengthen and streamline the system to serve our customers better," Rowe said.

He said the service started with 21 members in the Portmore community and this has since climbed to 59 operators spread across St Catherine. Rowe said that the growth is in line with the Transport Authority's regulations which have designated the markings on each vehicle.

"The vehicles in the system are mostly driven by the owners, so it makes it easier for parents, guardians, teachers and the police to track them. Come January, all operators will have to wear a specially designed uniform,'' Carlton Thomas, one of the bus operators who falls under St Catherine School Transport Association (Contract) Limited, said.

Several persons have endorsed the system as a well-needed measure to streamline the school transportation system in St Catherine. This includes the police. "There are times when things happen and you cannot find the operator. Now you will be better able to identify them. Others should follow this standard,'' Corporal Lloyd Wellington of the St Catherine South Traffic Department said.

Regional Director of Region 6, Dr Claudette Clarke, said that the Ministry of Education is aware of the service and it is being fully endorsed.