With the period for free rides aboard the Rural School Bus system coming to an end on February 1, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) is reporting that only 1,362 cards have been collected by parents, while 5,087 cards remain at 125 schools for collection.

In a statement Friday, JUTC said it is providing an update to parents, school administrators, and the general public on the ongoing rollout and allocation under the Rural School Bus Programme.

The state-owned bus company told parents the Student Transportation Cards are to be collected directly from the respective schools their children attend. Distribution is being facilitated through school administrators to ensure accuracy, accountability, and secure handover to registered students.

JUTC is encouraging school administrators who have not yet completed the approval process to do so promptly to allow for timely card issuance and uninterrupted student travel.

Parents and guardians who have not yet registered are reminded that registration can be completed through the following channels: visit https://jutc.gov.jm; follow @jutcltd on social media and click the link in the bio; collect a physical registration form from a Rural School Bus driver and return the completed form to the child’s school.

Parents are also advised that top-ups for the Rural School Bus Student Transportation Card can now be done at all operational Bill Express locations nationwide, providing convenient and widespread access for families.

Meanwhile, JUTC said it remains committed to improving access, efficiency, and safety within the Rural School Bus Programme and thanks parents and school administrators for their continued cooperation as the system transitions to a fully cashless model. For further information, parents may contact the JUTC hotline at 876-570-1789.