Dear Editor,

Transportation is a critical part of our daily operations to get people, goods, and services from point A to point B. An efficient and effective transportation system is, therefore, vital to citizens’ fundamental development. It ensures that employees and students get to work and school safely and on time.

For several years, rural students have suffered due to poor or absent transportation systems in their vicinities. Many have had to wake up extra early to take the bus or taxi to get to school early; otherwise, they would arrive late, which has consequences. Additionally, some students pay exorbitant fares to and from school, and some miss school regularly simply because their parents cannot afford to cover transport costs and lunch money. Furthermore, some students have to “lap up”, endure discomfort due to five people in a bus row, or travel in a taxi trunk due to the poor rural transportation system. It is even more tiring given the hilly, bumpy, and pothole-riddled roads that exist in some areas.

Therefore, it is outright disappointing for the People’s National Party (PNP) to not support the rural school bus system being implemented by Transport Minister Daryl Vaz. Understandably, it is an election year, and both the PNP and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) have been intensifying their campaigns, but the PNP does itself a disservice by opposing this brilliant initiative, simply for opposing sake.

In fact, both PNP President Mark Golding and Senator Peter Bunting continued to behave tone-deaf and doubled down that they would not retract their flawed position on the matter. They, along with other irrational party diehards, believe their proposal to contract taxi drivers would be a better solution. Ironically, spokesperson on education Senator Damion Crawford, who is also a mathematics lecturer, has repeatedly called out Minister Vaz on his incorrect calculations of the number of students who would benefit from the rural bus system. But isn’t the overall rural bus system a better option than the PNP’s ill-advised plan to recruit taxi and bus operators?

While a significant portion of the citizenry relies on taxis and public passenger buses, have the Comrades forgotten the many students who have died due to accidents involving these taxis and buses? Are they unaware that some of these drivers overcharge students (and adults) after peak hours and whenever it rains? Are they oblivious to the concerns and reality that some of these drivers and conductors are sexual predators and groomers?

It is encouraging to see that parents, principals, teachers, and even taxi drivers and operators have commended the rural bus initiative. Who feels it, really knows it. Having struggled with transportation as a rural native in my high school years, I strongly endorse the rural school bus system. Imagine leaving home at 4:30 am and not returning home until 10:00 pm some days. There were days when the police were doing their duties, and we had to walk a good distance because the driver or his bus was not “straight”. Other times, drivers told us that they were not taking any “schoolaz”.

Rural students have long been marginalised and underserved. Students do not have a say where they are born or raised; therefore, the Government is doing the right thing to attempt to provide access, equity, and equality. No child should be denied access to education because of transportation issues. There is a crisis; therefore, a practical solution is needed, and it is unfortunate that the PNP only sees “old buses”.

As it is, the buses are being retrofitted to align with our road code, and some are being adjusted to cater to children with certain physical disabilities. Additionally, cameras are being installed, and wardens will be assigned on each trip. Importantly also, Mr Vaz noted that the standard fare will be $50 per one-way trip, irrespective of the students’ destination. That is great news!

Indubitably, this is a great investment. I travel extensively and see what obtains in other countries. An effective transportation system is essential to human capital and development. The Cayman Islands, just next door, has a similar school bus system. It guarantees certainty and security.

As we expect the roll-out in September, may both adults and students see the need to take care of these properties.

Oneil Madden

maddenoniel@yahoo.com