Category: News

JUTC Discounts Fees and Grants Sub-franchise Operators Extension to Pay Road Licenses

Posted on by JIS Webmaster

Following consultation with the Honourable Minister of Transport and Mining, Robert Montague, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited, JUTC, has granted sub-franchise operators until the May 14, 2021, to pay their road license fees. The fees became due on March 31st.

“We are mindful of the impact that COVID-19 has had on the operations of the transport sector and we felt it was important to signal to our stakeholders that we are in this together” said Corporate Communications Manager, Cecil Thoms.

Mr. Thoms said sub-franchise operators will not only be given an extension but that they will also benefit from a fifteen percent (15%) discount in fees. “This must be seen as a continuation of our efforts to empathize with operators as last year we discounted fees by twenty percent (20%) and have done so again this year with a further 15% discount.  It is a challenging time for every business operator and we are playing our part, ensuring that people’s livelihoods are not disrupted.”

We are also reminding sub-franchise operators to clear outstanding balances to be able to renew their road licenses.

In the meantime, the Corporate Communications Manager is encouraging transport operators to get vaccinated by registering on the online portal of the Ministry of Health and Wellness at www.moh.gov.jm or call the National Vaccination Hotline at 888-ONE LOVE (888-663-5683).

JUTC to Provide Reduced Service on Weekends of Curfew and Easter Holiday Period

Posted on by JIS Webmaster

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company, JUTC, will be operating a reduced service for essential and frontline staff on the weekends of the curfew and during the Easter holiday period. This follows recent adjustments to the curfew hours by the government to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Corporate Communications Manager Cecil Thoms said “the JUTC will provide normal service during 5am to 8pm, on weekdays. However, the Company will provide reduced service on the weekends of the curfew and the Easter holiday period.” He added that schedules are posted on the bus company’s website and social media pages.

“Commuters can view the schedules at our website at jutc.gov.jm or they may view the schedules on our Facebook page at Jamaica Urban Transit Company or on Twitter @JUTCLTD. We encourage commuters to familiarize themselves with the schedules. Should our commuters have any query or concerns, they may also call our Customer Care team at 888-588-2287 or our REPORT IT hotline at 876-570-1789,” Mr. Thoms said.

Meanwhile, the Corporate Communications Manager is also taking this opportunity to appeal to customers to continue to wear their masks for the entire length of their journey when using public transportation. He says while there has been an appreciable increase in mask wearing, the JUTC has noticed a trend that upon entering the bus, customers tend to uncover their nose or take off the mask completely.

“We are appealing to customers to desist from this practice. Keep your mask on, ensuring that it covers your nose and mouth and wear it for the full length of your journey until you get home. We want you to keep safe and be alive,” Mr.Thoms said.

Cyclist Hit and Injured by JUTC Bus

Posted on by JIS Webmaster

The Police are probing an incident involving one of our units in which a cyclist was hit and injured along  Hagley Park Road/ Waltham Park Road intersection in St. Andrew this morning.

It is understood that the incident happened around 11:25a.m. The details of the incident are not yet known but investigations have been launched by the Police and the Accident Department of the Company.

The cyclist was taken to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

Meanwhile, the driver of the bus who fainted at the scene was also taken to hospital. She will be provided with counselling.

We wish both of them a speedy recovery.

Employee at the Spanish Town depot tests positive for COVID-19

Posted on by JIS Webmaster

An employee of the Spanish Town depot has tested positive for the Coronavirus.

In a bid to minimize any potential spread of the virus, the Company has requested that all employees who may have come in contact with the staff member to stay home.

Meanwhile, emergency sanitization and deep cleaning of the depot has been arranged.

The illness of the staff will not affect the operations of the Company.

JUTC adjusts operating hours due to national curfew

Posted on by JIS Webmaster

Commuters are being advised to take note of the following changes in our operations due to an adjustment in the curfew hours beginning at 8:00pm nightly, effective tonight, and ending at 5:00am daily until February 24, 2021. This, following a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases.

Our morning operations will remain unchanged.  However, there will be adjustments to our afternoon peak. Please see below:

  1. Last trips will be at 6:30pm for hill routes (52, 53, 54,)
  2. All other routes will end at 7:00pm
  3. Buses will return to their depots between 8:00pm and 9pm without passengers.

 

We are encouraging our passengers to adhere to the protocols, by washing their hands frequently, sanitize as often as possible and by wearing a mask. Let us continue to do all we can to minimize the risk of transmission. Keep safe.