Category: News

Spanish Town, St. Catherine — The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is providing an update following reports that made national headlines on March 20, 2026, regarding allegations of ticketing irregularities involving members of its driving staff.

As part of ongoing investigations conducted in collaboration with law enforcement authorities, Nine (9) JUTC drivers from multiple depots have now been formally charged in connection with offences relating to the alleged misappropriation of fares and failure to issue tickets to passengers.

The drivers were charged between March 18, 2026 to March 26, 2026, and subsequently granted bail. They are scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court on April 21, 2026.

Collectively, the charges include:

• Embezzlement (multiple counts)
• Failure to Issue Tickets to Passengers (106 counts in total)

The alleged offences occurred across multiple dates in February and March 2026, and are linked to operations at various depots within the JUTC network.

JUTC treats these matters with the utmost seriousness. The Company maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of misconduct that undermines public trust, operational integrity, or the quality of service delivered to commuters.

Corporate Communications Manager, Shantole Thompson, emphasized the Company’s position:

“At JUTC, transparency and accountability are not optional they are fundamental to how we operate. We are committed to ensuring that every commuter receives fair, safe, and reliable service.

Any actions that compromise this standard will be addressed decisively, in keeping with both our internal policies and the laws of Jamaica.”

Ms. Thompson further noted that the Company has strengthened its internal monitoring systems and continues to work closely with the relevant authorities to support investigations and uphold due process.

Early Revenue Impact Observed

Preliminary internal analysis indicates a notable increase in fare revenue collection in the days following the arrests, suggesting improved compliance with ticketing procedures across the system.

Portmore Depot

• Before (March 12–18): $16,339,684.19
• After (March 19–25): $17,567,164.00
• Increase: +$1,227,479.81

Revenue increased by approximately $1.23 million, reflecting a strong upward shift in collections.

Spanish Town Depot

• Before (March 12–18): $14,230,870.72
• After (March 19–25): $14,712,965.41
• Increase: +$482,094.69

Revenue increased by $482,094.69, indicating steady improvement in fare collection.

Rockfort Depot

• Before (March 12–18): $6,260,314.00
• After (March 19–25): $6,880,085.00
• Increase: +$619,771.00

Revenue increased by $619,771, further demonstrating improved compliance and strengthened revenue capture across the network.

These early indicators reinforce the importance of strong internal controls and ongoing monitoring to ensure accountability across all operations.

JUTC also uses this opportunity to remind commuters of the importance of collecting tickets for all cash transactions conducted onboard buses. Tickets serve as proof of payment and are critical in ensuring accountability within the system. Passengers are encouraged to report any irregularities through the Company’s official customer care channels.

The Company remains steadfast in its mission to provide efficient, reliable, and trustworthy public transportation services to the people of Jamaica. JUTC will continue to take all necessary steps to protect the integrity of its operations and to maintain the confidence of the commuting public.

Spanish Town, St. Catherine — The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is pleased to announce the launch of a new public transportation route, Route 612, which will operate between Spanish Town and Ocho Rios effective March 25, 2026.

This new route forms part of the Company’s continued efforts to expand service coverage, improve connectivity between key towns, and provide commuters with more efficient and reliable transportation options.

The introduction of Route 612 provides a direct and convenient link between the south-central and north coast regions, reducing travel time and enhancing accessibility for commuters traveling for work, school, and leisure.

Fare Structure:

• Adult (Cash): $400
• Adult (SmartFare Card): $350
• Senior Citizens (Card): $200
• Students / Children / Persons with Disabilities (Card): $200

Commuters are encouraged to utilize their SmartFare cards to benefit from discounted fares and a more seamless travel experience.

“Route 612 represents another step in our commitment to meeting the evolving transportation needs of the Jamaican public,” said Shantole Thompson, Corporate Communications Manager at JUTC. “By improving connectivity between Spanish Town and Ocho Rios, we are not only enhancing commuter convenience but also supporting economic and social mobility across regions.”

The JUTC remains dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and accessible transportation services and encourages commuters to stay informed by following official JUTC channels for updates.

Spanish Town, St. Catherine — The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is reminding all commuters of the importance of requesting and receiving a valid ticket or receipt for every journey taken on the JUTC network.

As part of the Company’s ongoing commitment to transparency, accountability, and improved customer service, commuters are strongly encouraged to demand their ticket upon payment of fare. This practice not only supports proper revenue management but also protects passengers.

“Your ticket is more than just proof of payment it is your record of travel,” said Shantole Thompson, Corporate Communications Manager at JUTC. “It may be essential in assisting us to investigate and resolve any issues or concerns related to your trip, including service complaints or disputes.”

The JUTC is aware of occasional reports where tickets are not issued. The Company takes these matters seriously and is urging members of the public to report any instance where a driver or conductor refuses to provide a ticket after payment.

Commuters who encounter such situations are encouraged to report the matter immediately with as much detail as possible, including the bus number, route, time, and location of the incident.

Reports can be made via:

• Email: [email protected]
• Telephone: (876) 570-1789

The cooperation of the public is critical in maintaining the integrity of the fare system and ensuring a fair and reliable service for all users.

The JUTC thanks its valued commuters for their continued support and partnership in building a more accountable and efficient public transportation system.

Spanish Town, St. Catherine – The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) is aware of a video currently circulating on social media platform TikTok, posted by user Wayne Mighty, which alleges that passengers travelling on the Ocho Rios Route 611 (Half-Way Tree to Ocho Rios) were asked to pay for a number in order to board the bus.

The JUTC wishes to make it unequivocally clear that no passenger is required to pay for a number or any unofficial fee to board a JUTC bus.

The company has also confirmed that the individual seen in the video collecting money is not an employee or authorized representative of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company.

JUTC operates under strict fare collection procedures through its Electronic Fare Collection System (EFCS), where passengers are only required to pay the approved fare using designated payment methods, including the SmartFare system where applicable. Any request for additional payment outside of the official fare structure is not authorized by the company. The company takes any matter that may affect commuters or the integrity of its services very seriously.

Shantole Thompson, Corporate Communications Manager at JUTC, emphasized that commuters
should be aware that such practices are not part of the company’s operations.

“We want to assure the public that the Jamaica Urban Transit Company does not require passengers to pay for a number or any unofficial fee to board our buses. The only payment required is the approved bus fare through our official systems. The individual seen in the circulating video is not a JUTC employee, and we strongly encourage commuters to report any such activity to the company so that appropriate action can be taken.”

The JUTC remains committed to providing safe, reliable, and fair transportation services for all Jamaicans and continues to encourage commuters to remain vigilant and report any activity that appears inconsistent with the company’s official policies.

Spanish Town, Catherine – The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) is reminding the public that its Ride Free initiative on JUTC buses will officially end on January 5, 2026.

As part of our continued support for students, JUTC will maintain free transportation for students using the Rural School Bus service until January 31, 2026. This extension is aimed at easing the transition as families prepare for the upcoming registration requirements.

Effective February 1, 2026, students accessing the Rural School Bus service will be required to present a valid student identification card, and a concessionary fare of $50 will apply. Registration for the student card can be completed online at: https://jamaica-district.mysmartterm.com/bus-portal/registration

JUTC is strongly encouraging parents and guardians to ensure that students are registered ahead of time to avoid delays or inconvenience once the new requirement takes effect.

Speaking on the update, Corporate Communications Manager, Shantole Thompson, emphasized JUTC’s student-focused approach:

“We understand how critical reliable transportation is for students and their families. While the Ride Free initiative comes to an end, JUTC remains committed to supporting students through the continued free Rural School Bus service until the end of January and by keeping fares affordable thereafter. Early registration will ensure a smooth and seamless experience for everyone involved.”

JUTC continues to prioritize safe, affordable, and dependable transportation, particularly for Jamaica’s students, and remains committed to working closely with parents, schools, and communities to support access to education across the island.