The San Pedro Town Council has clarified that the school van transfer service for students living in northern Ambergris Caye remains active and continues to provide free transportation for families in the area.
According to the Council, the school van was introduced in January 2024 as a temporary relief effort for residents of the growing northern communities. Since then, service interruptions have only occurred when the vehicle required maintenance and servicing.
Officials acknowledged that the continued growth of North Ambergris Caye has increased the demand for transportation services, noting that a single van is no longer enough to meet the needs of all students and families. The Council shared that discussions are already underway with Central Government regarding the development of a new school for North Ambergris Caye. In addition, they are working alongside community partners to expand safe and reliable transportation services to the area.
The Council also addressed recent public criticism and political commentary surrounding the service, stating that the struggles families face regarding education and transportation should not be used for political gain.
School Van Concerns Addressed
Concerns were also raised regarding issues experienced in the past with a former driver. As a result, the Council said clearer guidelines have now been established for drivers operating the transfer service. These include:
- Drivers are not allowed to charge students
- Drivers are not allowed to transport paying commuters in place of students
- Drivers cannot use the transfer van for personal transportation
- Drivers cannot conduct personal business while transporting students
- Drivers are expected to remain courteous and professional with parents and students at all times
- Parents and students should be informed whenever delays or interruptions in service are expected
The Council emphasized that the school van remains a free service for students and noted that the vehicle was donated by the Area Representative, while operational expenses continue to be covered by the Town Council with support from community partners.
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