The Universal Service Fund (USF) is taking decisive steps to improve its operational efficiency by reducing reliance on the national electricity grid to power its community Wi-Fi facilities. Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Charlton McFarlane, made the disclosure during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’. He noted that electricity costs remain a significant expense for the agency, which is...

The new Freetown Interchange on TransJam Highways is an investment in the development of the Clarendon community and surrounding areas, says Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz.  He pointed out that the new interchange, which allows motorists to enter and exit the highway in both directions – east and west, will enhance connectivity.   “That might sound...

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport , Hon. Daryl Vaz, has assured public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators that a final decision on the fare increase for the sector will be made in the coming weeks. The Government approved a 35 per cent fare increase in October 2023; however, only a 19 per cent hike was implemented. The additional 16...

An investment of $420 million is being made by Jamaica’s largest independent power supplier, InterEnergy Group, for the development of the second compressed natural gas (CNG) facility, at the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s (JUTC’s) Spanish Town depot. The disclosure was made by Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport (MSETT), Hon. Daryl Vaz, during a press briefing at the Ministry’s offices...

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has taken decisive steps to enhance efficiency, improve the commuter experience, and increase accessibility and affordability. Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, said, by June 2025, 100 new buses, 70 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered and 30 diesel coaches, will be delivered to the JUTC. “It is important to note that...

Phase two of the Government’s Rural School Bus Programme will be rolled out in time for the start of the 2025/26 academic year in September. The initiative, now in its first phase in St. Thomas, St. Catherine, and Clarendon, aims to ease challenges faced by rural students and enhance their safety during daily commutes. “The continued rollout… will see dedicated...

Principal of Titchfield High School in Portland, Richard Thompson, is welcoming the provision of a dedicated rural school bus service for the parish. Speaking in an interview with JIS News following the recent launch, Mr. Thompson said that the service, operated by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), will facilitate the timely, safe and efficient movement of students, including those...