MoBay Metro expands service with two new routes

WESTERN BUREAU:

Commuters in Green Pond, St James, and Green Island in Hanover are anticipating a more reliable and comfortable means of transport as the Montego Bay Metro Bus Company expanded its services into the communities on Monday.

The initiative, though expected to affect taxi operators, has been cautiously welcomed by Deon Chance, president of the St James Taxi Association. While acknowledging that students – traditionally key taxi customers – may shift to the more affordable bus service, Chance sees the development as a potential catalyst for improved taxi services.

“In any developed country, there is a variety of transportation, but it’s what the people want – the service that is being offered – so maybe it will be a wake-up call for our members to touch up their service level,” said Chance.

“Montego Bay people are spoiled, so probably in the beginning, people will flock to it, but as time goes by, people are going for convenience. I know that some operators are going to be concerned at the onset, but I will watch and see how it pans out,” said Chance.

The roll-out comes as the state-owned bus company added two more buses to its fleet, bringing the total to 20.

Acting General Manager Nashu Lelievre described the first day as promising, with strong ridership from both students and adults, drawn by features like subsidised fares, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioned buses.

“We have got a good turnout ... . Our rides are very convenient, on time, safe, reliable, and the passengers are transported in air-conditioned buses,” said Lelievre. “It is the first day for the launch, and we have been engaging with the parent-teacher associations, the stakeholders in the community, [and] the principals for the respective high schools in this region.”

Students from Green Pond Primary, Farm Primary and Junior High, Green Pond High in St James, and Green Island High in Hanover now have a dedicated and dependable means of transport. The elderly and physically challenged also benefit from the enhanced service along both routes.

Heroy Clarke, member of parliament for St James Central, commended the move, emphasising its importance for local development.

“This is all about making sure that we support the transportation system as best as possible,” said Clarke, who noted that Transport Minister Daryl Vaz recently visited Montego Bay to explore expansion opportunities for the Metro Bus Company.

“Today we saw the movement of children in a timely, safe, and comfortable situation. So we are encouraging everyone to make sure that they take care of it (the bus service), because the more we maintain the situation, the better it is going to be for us.”

The expanded route now aligns Green Pond and Green Island schools with others in western Jamaica already served by the Metro Bus Company, including Irwin High, Spot Valley High, Mount Alvernia High, Montego Bay High, Hopewell High, Knockalva Technical High, and Rusea’s High.

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