Gov’t Continuing Implementation of Measures to Boost JUTC’s Operational Efficiency

The Government will continue to implement critical measures to curb fraud and theft at the Jamaica Urban Transit Company and improve the entity’s operations.

This assurance was given by Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, during Tuesday’s (September 24) sitting of the House of Representatives.

“In relation to the issue of fuel theft, which has been a perennial problem, obviously transitioning into CNG (compressed natural gas) buses and then into electric buses will definitely do a good job in stemming that situation. Most importantly, the other situation that faces us, is in relation to the collection of fares [where] some fares [are] going into the coffers of the government and some elsewhere. Again, we are committing to go… fully cashless by January 2025 and that, again, will obviously make it more convenient for commuters and, of course, improve the efficiency of JUTC,” he said.

Mr. Vaz reiterated the Government’s commitment to boosting the JUTC’s fleet and operations.

“All of these buses, without a complete and comprehensive look at the operations of JUTC, would be for zero. So, I want to reassure and commit that this [fleet and operational boost] will be a part of the overall plan going forward, to make sure that we have the management structure in place to be able to utilise the buses most efficiently,” he said.

The JUTC’s establishment was initiated by the Government of Jamaica to regulate Jamaica’s public transportation system.