JUTC to Distribute 60,000 Smarter Cards

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has acquired 60,000 smarter cards to be distributed to the public in preparation of its April 1 crossover to the cashless system.

This was disclosed by Deputy Managing Director of Operations at the JUTC, Kirk Finnikin, during a recent interview with JIS News.

He informed that the cards are now in circulation at several of the JUTC’s sales offices in the corporate area.

The smarter cards are available at JUTC’s Spanish Town Lay-by in St. Catherine and the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre and East Parade office in Kingston.

He is also reminding commuters that there is no cost for the smarter cards. “Once you put a minimum of $300 on your smarter card we will give you your smarter card and you can travel on JUTC (buses) until that value expires,” he said.

In the meantime, Mr. Finnikin is encouraging commuters to familiarise themselves with their cards as part of efforts for a smooth transition.

“We are asking all our commuters to use their smarter cards, to get familiar with it, practice using it, print your own ticket, collect your own ticket, it is the smart way to go,” he said.

The introduction of the robust electronic fare collection system forms part of efforts to stop revenue leakage at the JUTC.

It will foster greater efficiency in processing commuters boarding the buses, and allow for better concentration among the operators on the key functions of safer driving practices and improved customer service.