Vaz says JUTC buses not being pulled from 23 routes

Minister of Transport, Daryl Vaz, is rejecting assertions by the Opposition Spokesman on Transport, Mikael Phillips, that the government has abandoned 23 Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) routes, breaching the company’s exclusive licence under the Public Passenger Transport (Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region (KMTR)) Act.

In a statement, Vaz said the JUTC continues to operate along all designated corridors, but the company is implementing a predictable and realistic scheduling system to improve service reliability and better align with commuter demand.

“To supplement JUTC services, particularly during off-peak hours, the company has, based on recommendations from the Transport Authority, issued 'No Objection' confirmations permitting a limited number of route taxis to operate along these corridors,” he said.

“This arrangement is not new, and does not represent a breach of JUTC’s exclusive licence or a divestment of its responsibilities. Instead, it is designed to provide greater flexibility for commuters, ensuring they have access to safe and efficient transport options," he added.

Phillips on Friday blasted the government for pulling the buses off the routes, saying that it amounted to “an abdication of the company’s responsibility to adequately provide service”.

“It is now clear that the Government of Jamaica, and the Minister of Transport in particular, has decided to take a wrecking ball to the JUTC, smashing all hopes of a reliable and efficient public transport service in the capital city,” he said.

But calling for a “more constructive and fact-based dialogue on matters of national interest, particularly where public confidence in essential services is concerned”, Vaz said the Ministry remains committed to delivering a safe, efficient, and affordable public transportation within the KMTR.

He noted that route taxi associations such as the Maxfield Avenue Taxi Association, Jones Town Taxi Association, and the Gordon Town Taxi Association have long operated along these corridors, complementing the formal public transport system and adapting to the evolving needs of commuters.

He said hackney carriage drivers along the 23 corridors are being encouraged to transition into legally recognised route taxi operators, in line with efforts to bring greater structure to the sector.

“To characterise this inclusive strategy as a dismantling of the JUTC is both inaccurate and misleading. It disregards the meaningful progress being made to modernise Jamaica’s public transport system and undermines a balanced, commuter-focused policy that integrates responsible private-sector participation,” Vaz said.

He emphasised the Ministry’s strong commitment to enhancing the capacity of the JUTC through strategic investments. Key initiatives include the transition of the JUTC fleet to alternative fuels, such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and battery-electric technology.

Additional efforts include the delivery of 170 new buses, the procurement of 100 more buses slated for arrival in summer 2025, and the acquisition of 100 refurbished school buses from North America. These school buses will support the Rural School Bus System, beginning with the new academic year in September 2025.

“Together with the JUTC and the Transport Authority, the Ministry remains committed to serving the people of Jamaica and working in collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure a reliable, accessible, and modern public transportation system,” Vaz said.

- Sashana Small

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