JUTC revenue surges, fleet upgrades as ridership climbs

Jamaica's public transportation system is experiencing a notable turnaround, with the Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) reporting substantial gains in revenue, passenger numbers, and operational efficiency. Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications, Daryl Vaz, highlighted these improvements during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) Ministerial Update.

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In May, at the Portmore depot… we did $100 million in revenue coming from $60 million and one million passengers, coming from 600,000. So, it means that 400,000 more citizens used the JUTC at one depot and we increased by $40 million.

Vaz pointed to the strong performance at the JUTC’s Portmore depot as a key indicator of success. "In May, at the Portmore depot… we did $100 million in revenue coming from $60 million and one million passengers, coming from 600,000," he stated. This represents an increase of $40 million and 400,000 more passengers utilizing the service from a single depot.

Significant investments have been made in modernizing the JUTC fleet, with over 270 new buses added under Vaz's tenure. These additions, coupled with route expansions and service enhancements, have reportedly transformed the public transportation entity. Vaz noted that the "misery index" associated with JUTC delays, which was at an all-time high three years ago, has been reversed, leading to public commendation.

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The JUTC, under my watch, has brought in over 270 new buses.

To enhance security and operational oversight, the JUTC has transitioned from a predominantly diesel-powered fleet to compressed natural gas (CNG). This move has not only helped reduce fuel theft, leading to arrests in sensitive operations, but also equipped new buses with cameras. Vaz cited a recent bus fire incident where video footage helped identify the perpetrator.

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We have turned that around… people commend the JUTC.

Addressing concerns from public transport operators about JUTC expanding into rural express services, Vaz defended the company's role. "I have already indicated that if the public transport operators don’t up their game and provide safe, efficient and comfortable buses, then the JUTC will take up the slack because we have a responsibility to the commuting public," he asserted.

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Very sensitive operations have taken place leading to the arrest of several persons in relation to the stealing of the diesel, but most importantly, all the buses that we have now, the new buses have cameras, so we have technology that we’re using as well, which is helping tremendously in terms of incidents and accidents.