Gov’t allots $2.5 Billion to Purchase JUTC Buses

The Government has allocated $2.5 billion for the purchase of buses this fiscal year, as it looks to improve the transport system in the Corporate Area.

The amount is part of a $2.568 billion provision made in the 2012/13 Estimates of Expenditure, now before the House of Representatives, for the Improvement of Public Transport Programme.

The $2.5 billion allotment is to facilitate Consolidated Fund payment in relation to buses to be acquired by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC).

Of the remaining $68 million, $50 million will be used for the maintenance of the buses, while $18 million will be used to offset the operational expenses for the delivery of public transportation services provided by the Montego Bay Metro.

The Ministry of Transport, Works and Housing is the implementing agency for the Improvement of Public Transport Programme.

By Chris Patterson, JIS Reporter