Downtown Municipal Transport Centre officially open

The new Downtown Municipal Transport Centre at Water Lane, Kingston is now officially open.

The centre was opened Saturday morning by Prime Minister Bruce Golding who along with members of the Transportation sector and the business community praised the completion of phase one of the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) project.

Speaking at the grand opening, Prime Minister, Bruce Golding defended the decision to construct the transport centre.

“We consulted, we had to consult because we have to make sure we take into account, in coming to that decision, the concerns of all the stakeholders, but at some point in time the government has to say this is the decision that we’ve made,” Mr. Golding said.

He also dismissed concerns by commuters and transport operators that the location of the transport centre poses a security risk.

“There is so much myth about security and crime levels in this part of the city and no matter what we try to dispel, I happen to be the Member of Parliament for this area, this section down here where we are is safer than Half Way Tree,” he said.

Phase 1 of the project has already seen the construction of the bus park, the upgrading of the St. William Grant Park, and improvement to the market district.

The centre will be managed by the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC).

The Transport Authority and the Jamaica Constabulary Force will operate from the centre which features a main terminal and smaller terminals to the north, across Water Lane.

JUTC buses will now operate out of North, South and West Parade.

In addition, the JUTC will also offer a free shuttle bus service linking Parade, the Transportation Centre and the Pechon Street terminus along major routes.