The Government will be earmarking another $3 billion during the new fiscal year to procure 100 additional buses for the public transportation system.
This will bring the total number acquired over 24 months, to improve the service for commuters, to 250.
Custos Rotulorum for Kingston, Honourable Steadman Fuller, who made the announcement, said the buses are slated for delivery by July 2025, adding that the units will assist in reducing costs and supporting clean energy goals.
Fuller further informed that 10 of the buses will be configured to accommodate persons with disabilities.
He made the disclosure while delivering the Throne Speech during the 2025/26 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament at Gordon House on Thursday (February 13).
Regarding renewable energy, Fuller, who deputised for Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, advised that 1,500 rooftop solar panels were installed under the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) Deep Energy Retrofit Project, resulting in a 1.5 million kWh reduction in the institution’s annual power consumption.
He pointed out that the recent award of 100 megawatts of alternative energy projects has pushed the composition of Jamaica’s energy mix incorporating renewables, targeted to be achieved by 2030, closer to 50 per cent.
Additionally, the Canadian Nuclear Laboratory will explore nuclear energy integration under a memorandum.
Significantly, Jamaica will become the first Caribbean Small Island Developing State (SIDS) with a UNESCO GO-SPIN Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) country profile, which will guide the National ST&I Policy.
It is anticipated that the US$4-million energy security investment, which will facilitate the installation of 6,368 rooftop solar panels across six hospitals and 16 government facilities, will yield savings of five million kWh annually.
Meanwhile, Fuller advised that infrastructure upgrades will be undertaken at the Ian Fleming International Airport to enhance the runway, terminal and flight capacity to support tourism growth.
Additionally, port security will be strengthened through increased Ports Security Corps recruitment.
Programmed legislative engagements include the Petroleum (Downstream Activities) Bill, to regulate imported fuel quality by 2025/26, and updates to the Civil Aviation Act and Shipping Act, which will align with international safety standards.
– JIS
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