JUTC Sets March 2014 Deadline For All Passengers To Access ‘Smarter Cards’

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is on a drive to ensure that by March 2014, all passengers can access the bus service with the use of ‘Smarter Cards’.

Managing Director of the state-owned bus company, Colin Campbell, said that a January timeline has been set to have concession passengers use the electronic fare system.

“The driver will not be able to sell $20 tickets. You must access your concession by using the electronic payment system…it is very important. It represents a serious risk for persons to play with that $20 ticket as against the $100 ticket. It is a potential revenue leakage of gigantic proportions,” he stated.

Mr. Campbell was addressing a Jamaica House press briefing on Wednesday, November 20, at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Presently, the JUTC transports some 110,000 concession passengers daily. So far, 32 per cent of the ridership have already switched to the electronic system.

Meanwhile, Mr. Campbell assured that fleet scheduling is being improved. “What we will be able to give you is at least an idea of the frequency on routes. We should be able to do that with the present level of operating units, bearing in mind road operating conditions,” he said. The intent is to eventually provide specific arrival times.

Mr. Campbell said presently, some 95 per cent of JUTC buses are dispatched on time, to meet schedules, but these schedules are not always met, due to external factors.