Gov't reimplementing aged vehicle policy for public transport sector

By Nakinskie Robinson  

 

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the government is well advanced in its reimplementation of the aged vehicle policy.

 

The policy allows for existing public passenger vehicle operators to import motor cars up to 10 years old and buses up to 20 years for use in the public transport sector. 

 

"The current fleet of public passager vehicles in operation on our roads is comprised of aged vehicles with more than 90% of them being over 15 years old - the expansion of the age limit for imported vehicles, which was eight years before. The limit for vehicles imported will broaden the affordability options for PPV operators while not compromising safety as confirmed by the ITA (Island Traffic Authority)."

 

Minister Vaz said a submission is being drafted, and will be taken to Cabinet next week. 

 

The new policy will allow PPV operators to benefit directly by ordering the vehicles directly from overseas, cutting out the local dealers. 

 

The initial policy required the taxi association to go through a dealership, adding additional expenses to the process.

 

Minister Vaz said he has given clear instructions to the Transport Authority for a smooth transition. 

 

"What I have instructed the Transport Authority to do is to allow for all registered taxi associations and members of those taxi associations to be able to apply to the Transport Authority, showing all of the documentation that is required and that will be sent to the trade board. 

 

"It means that Ralston Smith has the option of one, applying for a licence in his own name, and going online, going to an auction, buying that vehicle directly from source, bringing it Jamaica and clearing it through a broker. So he is actually getting the car without any additional cost outside of the duty, outside of the cost of the car, and the shipping of the car," he explained.    

 

The minister was speaking at a recent press conference.