Category: News

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.