JUTC Suspends Road Operations at Midday in Response to Impacts from Hurricane Melissa

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) wishes to advise the public that, in light of worsening weather conditions associated with Hurricane Melissa, road operations will be suspended at the end of the morning shift, approximately 12:00 p.m. today.

This decision follows careful assessment and consultation with the relevant authorities and is driven by several critical safety and operational considerations:

• Increased Risk to Crew and Equipment – Reports of poor visibility, fallen debris, and dangerously high levels of water on major roadways have made it unsafe for continued operations. The safety of our drivers, conductors, and passengers remains our top priority.
• Significant Decline in Commuter Activity – With most members of the public heeding the Government’s advisory to remain indoors, the Company has recorded a very low to negligible load factor across several routes, making continued operations impractical.
• Response to Public Advisory – The decision aligns with the Government’s call for citizens to avoid non-essential travel and for organizations to prioritize the protection of their staff and assets during this period.

The JUTC assures the public that normal operations will resume as soon as it is deemed safe to do so, based on official guidance from the Meteorological Service and the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM). The Company urges all commuters and members of staff to continue to monitor official JUTC communication channels for updates and to stay safe during the passage of the storm.