In a recent development, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has revealed his estimate that approximately 60,000 commuters will reap the rewards of fare reductions within the state-owned Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC).
This announcement was made during a post-Cabinet press briefing, which followed Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke’s announcement regarding the impending fare cuts, set to come into effect on January 1, 2024.
A further reduction is also scheduled for April.
Fare reductions spark concerns
The announcement of fare reductions has sparked concerns about the potential impact on the Jamaican population and whether it will effectively curb inflation, as suggested by the finance minister.
Vaz, however, asserted that this initiative will positively affect thousands of Jamaicans.
He revealed that new buses are expected to join the JUTC fleet soon, expanding passenger capacity and accessibility.
Furthermore, Vaz believes that controlling inflation over the long term will ultimately benefit the entire population.
Increased capacity on the horizon
According to Vaz, recent surveys indicate that approximately 145,000 passengers rely on transportation services daily within the Kingston Metropolitan Region, with 60,000 of them utilizing JUTC services.
To address the existing bus shortage, plans are in motion to introduce an additional 100 buses to the JUTC fleet.
The minister anticipates that these new buses will potentially increase JUTC’s daily ridership by an impressive 20,000, reaching a total of 80,000 passengers per day.
Vaz underscores the significance and benefits of fare reductions for this substantial portion of the population.
Additionally, he mentioned that the acquisition of 100 new buses will enable JUTC to expand its services into areas such as St. Thomas and Clarendon, bordering Manchester, in the future.
Impact on fares
Starting January 1, 2024, adult passengers using JUTC services will experience a noteworthy 30 per cent fare reduction, with rates dropping from $100 to $70. Students will also see a reduction of $5 in their fares, bringing them down to $25.
Pensioners, too, will benefit from a 25 per cent fare reduction, with rates decreasing from $40 to $30.
