KINGSTON, Jamaica – A significant enhancement to Jamaica’s National Rural School Bus Programme (NRSBP) now enables students and parents to reload transportation cards through an expanded network of physical locations across the island. GraceKennedy Payment Services (GKPS) has formally partnered with Elhydro Limited to introduce in-store top-up services available at all Bill Express outlets, according to a recent company announcement.
This collaborative initiative addresses critical accessibility challenges by establishing dependable, tangible locations for managing student travel finances throughout rural parishes. The service operates exclusively on a cash basis, with deposited funds becoming active on bus cards within 30 minutes of transaction completion. Notably, the program imposes no restrictions on transaction frequency or maximum top-up amounts.
To utilize the service, customers must present the alphanumeric identifier displayed on the student card. Initial registrants need to supply additional details including full name, contact number, residential address, and optional email information. All collected data will be utilized solely for transactional, informational, and promotional purposes according to the company’s privacy guidelines.
Eligibility guidelines permit independent top-ups by students aged 15 and above presenting valid identification, while younger students require adult accompaniment during transactions.
Margaret Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of GraceKennedy Money Services, emphasized the corporation’s dedication to national social development during the partnership signing ceremony at GraceKennedy’s Kingston headquarters. “This integration transcends mere financial transactions by actively supporting the educational continuum of Jamaica’s youth while delivering practical convenience and reassurance to families,” Campbell stated.
Terence Slater, Regional Manager at GKPS, highlighted the program’s extensive reach through over 300 retail facilities. “Our strategic objective focuses on serving customers across all geographical constraints, particularly benefiting residents in remote regions experiencing connectivity limitations,” Slater explained.
Elhydro Limited Vice President Major Paul Brown noted the partnership’s critical timing, observing how the physical top-up solution assists families still grappling with internet infrastructure damage caused by Hurricane Melissa.
To facilitate adoption, GraceKennedy will implement a subsidized transaction fee of $25 JMD until June 30, 2026, after which the standard $65 JMD charge will apply. Launched in September 2025, the NRSBP provides affordable transportation solutions for students across thirteen rural parishes including St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, and Portland.