The Grenada Transport Commission (GTC) on December 6 announced the opening of Expressions of Interest (EOI) for private bus owners to take part in the Grenada School Bus Pilot Project. The deadline for submitting EOI letters and accompanying documents is December 20, 2024.
In a press release issued the same day, the GTC said the project’s goal is to ensure that every child in the island-nation has access to reliable transportation to get quality education. The project’s initial focus will be on parishes of St. George and St. David as the commission takes into account the fact that students from all over Grenada travel to schools located in these areas. The time of operation of the fleet of buses will be between 6 am and 8.30 am and between 2.30 pm and 5 pm local time.
Commission mentions criteria to join project
The GTC also mentioned in its release the criteria that bus operators must fulfil to join the project. Their vehicles must be in good condition and registered with an H (hire) license plate. The operator(s) must have a valid operating license and adhere to all safety standards and regulations stipulated by the GTC.
Interested bus owners need to provide in their application letters full information about their vehicles; their own contact details and professional background details; and a declaration of accuracy duly signed. They would also have to produce documents such as proof of ownership of the vehicle and its safety and maintenance record; a copy of his/her valid operating license and police record (certificate of character) details.
The complete application can be submitted either in person at the Grenada Transport Commission office at Kirani James Athletics Stadium, Suite 1, Level 5, Queens Park, St George’s, or by email to services@transport.gd.
For more information and clarification about the project, interested parties have been advised to explore the GTC’s social media pages such as Facebook and Instagram or call the commission directly at 1-473-439-0842.
The release also said that owners who are not operators can choose their preferred operator to manage their vehicle for taking part in the project. The operator’s name must be mentioned in the letter.
The commission said the local bus owners are at the heart of the project. It called them “critical partners” who will help give shape to its “vision of accessible education into reality”. The GTC aims to connect students to schools safely and efficiently, thereby investing in Grenada’s future through a “collaborative community approach”.
In September, Grenada Broadcasting Network reported that the school-bus project was scheduled to launch at the beginning of the new year but got delayed till the end of the term.
GTC Chief Executive Officer David Bartholomew told the network then that the commission was working closely with key stakeholders to ensure that the project sees the light of day soon.
People came up with mixed reactions on Facebook after the commission sought participation from bus owners. While some welcomed the development, others were cynical about drivers’ alleged irresponsibility while picking up children or how shabbily they dress while on duty. Some people sought a fully government-run bus system and questioned the reliability of the private operators. Inquiries were also made about the monetary compensation for the drivers which the release did not mention, and the prospect of starting an electric-bus pilot project.
