Jamaica plans dedicated school bus system by September 2025

Blackburn with Darwen Council is considering changes to its subsidized school bus services for four secondary schools due to rising costs. The council currently supports dedicated bus routes for St Wilfrid’s, St Bede’s, Our Lady and St John’s, and Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, but is facing financial constraints. A report has been presented recommending a statutory consultation to reassess these arrangements, emphasizing that parents must ensure regular school attendance. Meanwhile, in Jamaica, Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced a new dedicated school bus system set to launch in September 2025, aimed at enhancing safety and accessibility for students. This system will feature advanced technology for tracking and will reduce fares significantly compared to current rates. Holness described the initiative as transformational, with the goal of improving student attendance and behavior during travel.