Category: News

Spanish Town, St. Catherine – The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) is committed to providing safe and affordable transportation for all Jamaicans. In line with this mission, JUTC is pleased to announce the launch of Route 52B, a new weekday bus service connecting Castleton Gardens and Halfway Tree.

Effective February 3, 2025, Route 52B will operate four trips daily in each direction, making stops along Toms River, Temple Hall, and Golden Spring. The scheduled departure times are as follows:

From Castleton Gardens: 5:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:10 PM

From Halfway Tree: 6:10 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:10 PM, 5:20 PM

Affordable Fares for All Commuters:

• Students, Children, and Persons with Disabilities: $20.00 (SmartFare card) | $100.00 (Cash)
• Seniors: $25.00 (SmartFare card) | $100.00 (Cash)
• Adults: $50.00 (SmartFare card) | $100.00 (Cash)

JUTC recognizes the financial challenges faced by many commuters, particularly students and individuals with disabilities. By offering significantly reduced fares through the SmartFare card, the company is ensuring that public transportation remains an affordable and accessible option for everyone.

Ms. Nathalia Palomino, JUTC’s Marketing and Sales Manager, emphasized the company’s dedication to affordability. She further encouraged all commuters to switch to the SmartFare card commencing February 1, 2025, to take advantage of these discounted rates and enjoy a hassle- free travel experience.

“We are committed to making daily commuting more budget-friendly, especially for students and persons with disabilities who depend on our services. With the SmartFare card, they can travel at a fraction of the cash fare, making their journeys more convenient and economical.”

Ms. Shantole Thompson, Corporate Communications Manager, highlighted JUTC’s broader commitment to accessibility. “We recognize the vital role public transportation plays in the lives of many, particularly students and individuals with special mobility needs. This new route reflects our ongoing efforts to ensure that transportation remains affordable, inclusive, and efficient for all Jamaicans.”

JUTC urges all commuters to obtain their SmartFare cards to enjoy lower fares, faster boarding, and a cashless travel experience. Additionally, JUTC will be officially launching its “Ride Right

 

with SmartFare” campaign on March 4, 2025 to push the sign-up for the new cards but also to share JUTC’s plans to make commuting easy and safe for everyone. The company remains steadfast in its mission to expand and enhance public transport services for all Jamaicans.

Contact Information

Shantole Thompson

Corporate Communications Manager Email: [email protected] Telephone: 876-866-7294

Spanish Town, St. Catherine –The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) is pleased to announce the launch of a new weekday route, #504, which will operate between Chapelton and May Pen, effective February 5, 2025. This service will enhance connectivity for commuters in Clarendon, providing an affordable and safe transportation option along the Chapelton-May Pen corridor.

The new Route #504 will serve passengers traveling via Turners and New Longsville, offering a regular service operated from the Spanish Town Depot. Commuters will benefit from an affordable fare structure:

• Adults: $100.00 (SmartFare) | $150.00 (Cash)
• Concession 1 (Seniors): $50.00 (SmartFare) | $150.00 (Cash)

• Concession 2 (Children, Students, Disabled): $50.00 (SmartFare | $150.00 (Cash) The service will run on the following schedule:

Chapelton to May Pen (Departure Times):

 

• 6:00 AM
• 7:30 AM
• 8:50 AM
• 3:00 PM
• 4:50 PM
• 6:45 PM

May Pen to Chapelton (Departure Times):

 

• 6:45 AM
• 8:15 AM
• 2:30 PM
• 3:53 PM
• 5:50 PM

JUTC’s Corporate Communications Manager, Shantole Thompson, emphasized the company’s commitment to improving public transportation services across the island. “The introduction of Route #504 is a direct response to the needs of our commuters in Clarendon. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide safe, efficient, and affordable transportation for all Jamaicans. This new service will undoubtedly benefit residents by offering more flexibility and convenience in their daily travels.”

 

Mrs. Carla Barrett-Morris, Service Planning Manager, indicates this is a part of the JUTC’s ongoing efforts to expand its reach beyond the boundaries of the KMTR in keeping with the expressed desire of the Honourable Daryl Vaz, MP Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport. “The company’s medium to long-term vision is to see commuters in other parishes benefit from safe, reliable and more affordable transportation and to also play its part in the development of a more disciplined public transportation system island wide.”

The JUTC encourages passengers to take advantage of the new service and reminds them that using their SmartFare ensures the best fares. For further information, customers can visit the JUTC website or contact the Customer Service Department at 888-588-2287. We also encourage our commuters to share their feedback on our services via WhatsApp at 876-570-1789.

Contact Information

Shantole Thompson

Corporate Communications Manager Email: [email protected] Telephone: 876-866-7294

Spanish Town, St. Catherine – The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) is proud to announce the launch of a new rural stage carriage route connecting Linstead to Spanish Town. This new route, numbered 605, will officially commence operations on January 27, 2025, providing safe, reliable, and affordable transportation for residents along the corridor.

Route Details: 

Fare Structure: 

• Adults: $100.00 (SmarterCard) | $150.00 (Cash)
• Concession 1 (Seniors): $50.00 (SmarterCard) | $150.00 (Cash)
• Concession 2 (Children, Students, Disabled): $50.00 (SmarterCard) | $150.00 (Cash)

Schedule: 

• Linstead Departures: 6:00 AM, 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 4:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 7:00 PM
• Spanish Town Departures: 7:15 AM, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, 3:15 PM, 3:45 PM, 5:45 PM, 6:15 PM, 7:30 PM

Speaking on the new service route, Mr. Owen Ellington, Acting Managing Director, stated: “JUTC remains committed to enhancing the commuting experience for all Jamaicans. This new Linstead to Spanish Town route is a direct response to the growing demand for convenient and affordable transportation in rural areas. We are confident it will make a significant positive impact on the lives of our passengers.”

Ms. Shantole Thompson, Corporate Communications Manager, added: “JUTC remains focused on improving our services to better serve our customers. To support the launch of this route, our team will be on location at the Rose Duncan Park to assist with SmarterCard top-ups and answer any questions from commuters. We encourage all passengers to take advantage of the cost-saving benefits of the SmarterCard.”

The SmarterCard is an essential tool for commuters who wish to save time and money while traveling on JUTC buses. By using the SmarterCard, passengers can enjoy reduced fares compared to paying with cash, making their daily commutes more affordable. Additionally, the card streamlines the boarding process, reducing delays and improving overall efficiency.

The JUTC remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering quality service while fostering sustainable development in the communities it serves. Passengers are encouraged to visit the company’s website or contact customer service for further details about the new route.

Contact Information

Shantole Thompson

Corporate Communications Manager Email: [email protected] Telephone: 876-866-7294

Media Invited to Announcement of New Rural Stage Carriage Route and Top-Up Service

WHO:
The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC).

1. Mr. Romain – Khade Gayle – Deputy Managing Director, Operations
2. Ms. Nathalia Palomino – Marketing & Sales Manager
3. MS. Shantole Thompson – Corporate Communications Manager

WHAT:
Announcement of the New Rural Stage Carriage Route connecting Linstead to Spanish Town,
as well as the availability of a convenient top-up service at Rose Duncan Park, Linstead.

WHEN:
January 27, 2025 at 8:30 AM.

WHERE:
Rose Duncan Park, Linstead.

WHY:
To improve public transportation services for rural commuters and enhance convenience with a
top-up service at a central location.

Contact Information

Shantole Thompson

Corporate Communications Manager

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 876-866-7294

Spanish Town, St. Catherine – The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is pleased to announce the reintroduction of its May Pen Bus Route, bringing enhanced convenience and affordable fares to residents and students in May Pen and surrounding areas. As part of the reintroduction activities, a pop-up event was held at May Pen Square on January 16, 2025 from 6:00am to 6:00pm, encouraging commuters to top up their JUTC SmarterCards or sign up for their first card.

During the event, JUTC’s Acting Managing Director, Mr. Owen Ellington, toured the May Pen Route, engaging with commuters and gaining firsthand feedback. The tour, which spanned from Spanish Town to Denbigh, Lionel Town, and May Pen Square, highlighted the company’s commitment to providing reliable and accessible transportation solutions.

One commuter expressed her satisfaction, stating, “The best thing the JUTC did was extend its service to May Pen, especially benefiting my children. When going to school, their preferred route is always taking the JUTC. The fares are also very affordable.”

The May Pen Route was initially introduced in 2017 (routes 501, 502 and 503) through a partnership with the Ministry of Education and Youth to accommodate students in the area. Its reintroduction ensures the continued availability of safe and affordable public transportation for commuters.

The following routes are operational:

• Route 501: Old Harbour – Denbigh/May Pen via Free Town, Bustamante Highway
• Route 502: Lionel Town – Denbigh/May Pen via Vere Hayes, Mineral Heights
• Route 503: Toll Gates – Denbigh/May Pen via Osborne Store, Muirhead Avenue
• Route 511: Spanish Town – May Pen via Toll Road/Highway

Mr. Owen Ellington, Acting Managing Director shared his enthusiasm for the initiative, saying, “JUTC is committed to meeting the needs of our commuters, and the reintroduction of the May Pen Route reflects our dedication to improving the quality of public transportation across Jamaica.”

Adding to this, Ms. Nathalia Palomino, Marketing and Sales Manager, remarked, “The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. We urge all commuters to make the most of the JUTC SmarterCard and enjoy the benefits of reduced fares. This initiative underscores our commitment to customer satisfaction.”

Commuters can visit any JUTC outlet or the mobile unit to top up or acquire their SmarterCards. The JUTC remains steadfast in its mission to provide safe, reliable, and affordable transportation to all Jamaicans.

Contact:

Shantole Thompson

Corporate Communications Manager

Email:[email protected]

Telephone: 876-5829742