Transport Minister Daryl Vaz is condemning what he says are attempts by the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) to discredit the Rural Bus System through the use of bloggers on social media.

The minister claimed that the bloggers are questioning the cost of the buses and the inspection routine.

“I reiterate my disappointment at the latest wicked, evil, and sustained attack by the PNP on the Rural Bus System, which is well thought out. As minister, I reiterate that the system which will provide a much-needed service to children, is long overdue and that the Government will not be bullied by the Opposition into not delivering for the people of Jamaica,” Vaz said in a statement on Wednesday.

The minister sought to reassure Jamaicans that the buses have undergone rigorous inspection at various levels, including by the United States Department of Transport, Jamaica Urban Transit Company engineers, and were subjected to fitness procedures undertaken by the Island Traffic Authority (ITA).

Additionally, he noted that the buses also contain stickers that confirm inspection overseas as recently as this year. He said current inspection approval decals for the year 2025 are affixed to the vehicles.

Vaz further addressed the circulation of an invoice pertaining to some of the 110 buses that have been purchased. Vaz said the invoice does not reflect the sale price of the majority of the buses, which have been purchased, and represents an attempt by PNP operatives to deceive Jamaicans.

The minister stressed that the invoice also does not reflect additional costs, including expenses associated with retrofitting of the buses, including doors; five to six cameras per bus; driver monitoring system and network parts for one year for all 110 buses; maintenance contract for one year; geofencing service; cashless fare system; customs duty; inland transport of buses; and sea freight.