New Rules Coming for KMTR Sub-Franchise Operators

As of April 8, all buses operating on Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) sub-franchise routes in the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region (KMTR) are required to bear the same yellow colour as JUTC buses, and have identifying stickers on the back and front windshields. The public is therefore advised to take only buses that are colour-coded and bearing the specified identifying marks.
JUTC’s Deputy Managing Director with responsibility for Operations, Kirk Finnikin made the disclosure at a JIS Think Tank on Friday, March 28.  Mr. Finnikin explained that this was one of a series of reforms geared towards an integration of public and private operators, as the government seeks to provide a seamless service to the travelling public.  He said commuters can expect a similar level of service to that which is provided on JUTC buses, when travelling on the sub-franchised buses.  He added that passengers can be assured that once a bus has the JUTC identifying marks, it is properly licenced, insured, and operating at expected standards.    Mr. Finnikin explained that drivers and conductors of sub-franchised vehicles are expected to wear uniforms prescribed by the Transport Authority.

The Deputy Manager also outlined some of the other measures that will be implemented to standardise the operations of the private operators.  “They are expected to issue tickets to all passengers, charge the correct fares (of) $100 for adults and $20 for those entitled to concessionary fares,” he said.  He added that conductors who are in breach will be answerable to charges of failure to issue tickets, or obtaining money by false pretences. “They will also be given route descriptions indicating terminal points,” he explained.

Manager of the JUTC’s Franchise and Revenue Protection Department, Retired Senior Superintendent, Radcliffe Lewis added that the buses are expected to operate according to their routes.  He warned that diverting from the prescribed route would not be tolerated.He also issued a reminder that there would be no recourse for passengers if the vehicle in which they are travelling is operating in contravention of its licence.  The Ret. Senior Superintendent explained that his department will be focused on ensuring that all operators conduct themselves in a disciplined manner, displaying respect for the Road Traffic Act, safety of passengers, and pedestrians, as well as other road users.

He said that those falling within the monitoring remit were owners, drivers, and conductors. “The onus is on the owner to ensure that drivers and conductors operate as stipulated by the JUTC. Failure to do so can result in revocation or suspension of the licence. Drivers and conductors will be aligned to a specific bus or owner,” he emphasised.