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.
