School buses intended for students, not general use – Minister

Minister of Transport and Works, Montgomery Daniel has issued a reminder to the public, that school buses were bought for a specific purpose.

That purpose, the minister explained, is to transport students (especially from rural areas) to and from their various schools.

Daniel gave this reminder when he spoke on NBC radio on Wednesday, deputizing for Prime Minister Gonsalves who was out of state at the time.

He explained that the ministry has received a number of requests, from individuals and companies, for the use of school buses.

The minister indicated that the buses are in use between 6 am to 9 am and from 2:30 pm daily, to transport school children.

“There are requests that would come to the ministry, for the use of these school buses, even during school time.”

He stressed that while all these requests are being made, the ministry has to ensure that the school buses are used for the purposes for which they were intended.

“There is very little time for which you can have these buses for public use,” Minister Daniel explained.

He added that even during the school holidays, it may not be possible for other people to use these buses, as they may have to be serviced during that period.

According to Daniel, the reality of the situation is that “sometimes, it is really not possible to meet the requests of many of the applicants.”