Trelawny parents welcome rural bus system

Some parents in Trelawny are hailing the planned introduction of a rural school bus system by the Government, saying it will result in savings and a more comfortable ride for children.

At the same time, they are calling for details to be shared on how the system will operate in the parish.

In welcoming the initiative, Fayann Palmer of Rio Bueno, whose daughter attends William Knibb High School, pointed out that the cost of transportation is a major issue.

She said reducing that cost would be a positive step.

“It costs me $700 daily to send her to school. If the system can bring that down to even $500, it will be greatly appreciated.”

Runell Williams of Ulster Spring sees both an economic benefit for parents and increased comfort in how children are transported.

“It must come at a cheaper rate for the kids and with less jostling to get on the bus. Students travelling from Clarks Town to Albert Town stand to benefit from this initiative,” said Williams.

Meanwhile, Tamar Casre, a teacher at Albert Town High School, while supportive of the idea, says proper planning is critical to its success.

“There are two high schools and 12 primary schools in South Trelawny. With all schools starting at 8:00 a.m., how many buses are going to be allocated to South Trelawny? There has to be some decision, will it be for primary school students or for high school students only? A rural bus system is a good idea in theory, but a little more planning is needed for it to succeed.”

Reliable information reaching The Gleaner is that five buses have been allocated to Trelawny.

Principal of Hague Primary, Damian Elvin, says the bus system is a good idea for students who live close to the North Coast Highway.

At the same time, he noted that the programme may not benefit students in hard-to-reach areas.

“The students at my school have arrangements with bus drivers to pick them up for school and take them home afterward. The rural bus system cannot afford that,” said Elvin.

The rural school bus programme is expected to come on stream in the new school year in September.

- Leon Jackson

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