Category: News

The Jamaica Constabulary Force is investigating a motor vehicle crash involving a white station wagon and a Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) bus, which has left several persons injured.

The incident took place around 8:25 this morning along Lakes Pen Road, in the vicinity of the Wisynco plant in Lakes Pen, St. Catherine.

Preliminary reports indicate that the bus driver was transporting staff to the Advanced Driver Training Centre, ADTC, and on his approach to the entrance to the ADTC he indicated to turn right to access the premises. It’s reported that the vehicles behind reduced their speed in anticipation of the bus turn.

However, while the bus was turning, it’s understood that a white station wagon overtook a line of traffic and collided with the right side of the bus.

As a result of the impact, the JUTC driver along with passengers aboard the bus was injured and the four occupants of the white station wagon were also injured.

The injured persons were taken to hospital and the police called to the scene.

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 31^st.

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.

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.

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.

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited, JUTC, is confirming reports circulating on social media that two of our drivers were abducted and robbed at gun-point outside of our Rockfort Depot in Kingston on Tuesday, December 1, 2020.

It is reported that about 8pm, the drivers’ shift ended and they were standing in front of the depot awaiting public transportation when a black seven-seater vehicle with red plates stopped. They boarded the taxi and upon reaching the vicinity of Caribbean Cement Company, they were held at gun point and knife point, tied up and abducted by three men who were posing as passengers. They took their personal valuables; including cash and the company’s identification cards. They reportedly drove around with the staff for four hours eventually releasing them at the Waterfront in downtown, Kingston.

The matter has been reported to the police and an investigation into the incident is underway. The JUTC is urging the Police Command to treat this matter with alacrity to bring the perpetrators to justice. We are further appealing to the police to increase their presence in the area to make staff and residents feel safe.

The JUTC provides a pick-up service for its staff twice daily, early in the mornings (from as early as 2am) and in the evenings (from 9/10pm) pending curfew times.

We are appealing to anyone with information that can assist the police in their investigation to contact the police. We also wish to appeal our commuters to remain vigilant during this festive season.

A Jamaica Urban Transit Company, JUTC, Bus Cleaner tragically lost his life last night following an accident at the Portmore Depot.

He has been identified as 41 years old Rohan Robinson, who worked in the Maintenance Department washing the undercarriages of buses.

It is understood that shortly after 10pm, a 2016 bus was at the Wash Bay, when Mr.  Robinson attempted to move the unit to another area when he crashed into a column and two other buses.  Upon hearing the loud impact, staff members rushed to the scene where they saw Mr. Robinson slumped over the steering. A staff member entered the unit to render first aid, however, his efforts were futile as Mr. Robinson was unresponsive.

The Police Emergency number was called and at approximately 11:20pm a team of Police Officers, an Ambulance and Jamaica Fire Brigade personnel were dispatched to the location. Mr. Robinson was removed from the vehicle, assessed by the team that operated the Ambulance and was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was subsequently removed and taken to a funeral parlour.

The matter is under active investigation by the Police as well as the Accident and Investigative Unit of the JUTC, as bus cleaners are not authorised to drive or move buses.

Staff members described Mr. Robinson as a co-operative and amiable employee who was always willing to assist and go the extra mile. He has been with the JUTC since April 2014.

Employees at the Portmore Depot will be provided with counselling to deal with the loss.