JUTC Half Way Tree Transport Centre Remains Open for 24 Hours

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is keeping its Half Way Tree Transport Centre open for the next 24 hours as the bus company seeks to further accommodate people who wish to pick up their Smarter Cards in anticipation of tomorrow, September 1, when the company puts into force  cashless bus fare collection for concession passengers.

Yesterday, Saturday, August 30, a distribution centre dedicated solely to supplying students with their Smarter Cards was added to the regular operations at HWTTC and operated up to 10: p.m. last night.

The JUTC’s bus lay-by at Spanish Town will also be opened today until 10: p.m. tonight and its East Parade offices in downtown Kingston from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. At the Portmore Depot in St. Catherine, students can also apply for their Smarter Cards today up until 4:00 p.m.

Yesterday into last night, throngs of people continued to flock the Half Way Tree centre to get their Smarter Cards ahead of tomorrow’s official start of the use of Smarter Cards only to access the concession fares on JUTC buses.

Managing Director, Colin Campbell, said the company decided to open the Half Way Tree Transport Centre from 8:00 a.m. today through tonight into tomorrow morning to further facilitate commuters to obtain their Smarter Cards.

The JUTC is also reminding the public that although the electronic fare collection system for concession passengers officially starts on September 1, the company is granting a one-day amnesty to assist students even further to get their Smarter Cards.

“Students on September 1 without cards will ride free to give them a little more time to get their cards. And our offices will continue to open late, Spanish Town Lay-by up to 8:00 p.m. and East Parade up to 6:00 p.m.,” Mr. Campbell said.