Mt Salem embraces smart bus stop initiative in push for community transformation
Published:Monday | April 21, 2025 | 12:10 AMAlbert Ferguson/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
A quiet, yet transformative change is unfolding in Mt Salem, St James, and residents are now poised to embrace a smart, seamless transportation system that promises to redefine the vibrant area.
At the heart of this initiative is the development of a cutting-edge smart bus stop, a symbol of progress nestled within the dynamic landscape of Montego Bay. Equipped with advanced Internet connectivity and modern QR code technology, the system will provide residents with up-to-the-minute transportation information, seamlessly linking them to the local taxi network.
“Mt Salem will be ready for it,” said Winsome Barnes, chairman of the Mt Salem Community Development Council (CDC), referring to plans by the St James Municipal Corporation to establish the smart bus stop during the 2025–2026 financial year.
“People will now be able to log on to the Internet, and their transportation will be just a call away at an affordable cost,” Barnes added, her voice cracking with excitement.
“The world is rapidly advancing into technology, and we as a country must evolve accordingly, especially with services of this nature.”
Barnes lauded the St James Municipal Corporation for conceptualising the smart-bus-stop initiative, noting its timeliness in positioning both the community and country toward comprehensive technological advancement.
CATALYST FOR DEVELOPMENT
“This is forward-thinking, especially given the influx of people expected to travel in and out of the community once the hospitals are completed and fully operational. This initiative will not only transform the transportation landscape, but also catalyse further residential and commercial developments,” Barnes told The Gleaner.
Richard Vernon, chairman of the St James Municipal Corporation, revealed during a recent press conference that the smart bus stop is part of the municipality’s plans for fiscal year 2025-2026.
Other than stating that the project is one of those planned for this fiscal year, Vernon did not provide an implementation timeline. However, he said a memorandum of understanding is being drafted with private sector stakeholders and the StJMC to execute the project aimed at transforming the transportation sector in Mt Salem and, eventually, across Montego Bay.
“This will be done in Mt Salem, and we are collaborating with private sector stakeholders to execute this project. I cannot name them until we have signed the memorandum of understanding, but I can guarantee a strong commitment from our partners to establish the smart bus stop,” Vernon said.
He explained that the new system will benefit the more than 2,000 people expected to work at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital, and other CRH health campus facilities once construction is complete. It will provide a convenient option for those leaving work late at night.
“They will simply take out their phone, scan the QR code on the bus stop to access the Internet, and be directed to the taxi association, which will inform them of the available vehicle and its arrival time. This will increase efficiency in transportation and enhance safety for those who prefer not to linger at a bus stop,” Vernon detailed.
UNAWARE OF INITIATIVE
However, Dion Chance, president of the St James Taxi Association, expressed surprise when The Gleaner contacted him for his opinion on the initiative, saying he had only just heard of the plans.
He did not oppose the proposal, but argue that for a plan of such magnitude, early engagement with key players in the transportation sector, especially those serving the Mt Salem route, is essential.
“I would have expected them to engage us, if not in the initial stages then before making any announcement,” said Chance. “To the best of my knowledge, no discussions have been held with the transportation members regarding this matter, and I find it unfortunate that such an announcement was made given the proposed time frame.
“I await contact from the parish council or any of the other four [taxi associations] presidents in the parish to inform us of the developments. The leaders in the transportation sector in St James must be able to present this to their membership. So, unless they are planning to use InDrive or one of the other call apps, and if that is the case, I think it would be a retrograde step to have so many people in the parish, especially operating on a route that is a premium route,” he argued.
Chance also stated that comprehensive stakeholder engagement is crucial, as taxi operators from all five associations traverse the Mt Salem route due to its unique design.
“If you single out one association to participate, it may breed discontent among the others. I await further clarification on whether there will be any formal request or adjustment,” added Chance.