Minister Vaz Assures Continued Bus Operations as Tropical Storm Melissa Approaches

With Tropical Storm Melissa approaching the island, Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transportation, Hon. Daryl Vaz, has assured the public that the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) and Montego Bay Metro Company Limited will continue regular bus operations, provided conditions remain safe.

“Service updates will be shared via social media and public channels,” the Minister advised during a special briefing on preparedness for Tropical Storm Melissa at Jamaica House on Thursday (October 23).

He further noted that 30 buses have been designated for emergency deployment across depots in Portmore, Spanish Town, Rockfort, and Montego Bay to support national response efforts.

“Each depot has activated an Emergency Operations Committee, and the JUTC representatives are embedded in national and parish emergency centres for coordinated response,” Mr. Vaz detailed.

He noted that fuel stations and assets at all depots have been secured, and the company stands ready to support evacuation and transport operations should the need arise.

The Minister also indicated that Montego Bay Metro’s western transport operations remain fully operational and will continue to provide service for as long as weather conditions permit.

Meanwhile, Mr. Vaz advised that highway operators have been placed on alert and stand ready to respond to any emergency directives issued by the Ministry.

“[This] means that if the storm or the hurricane is creating panic and the highways are congested, I will give the direction to open the highways’ tollbooths free of cost to the commuters during the period of the storm,” he affirmed.