Montego Bay Metro expands service to new routes in western Jamaica

 

More commuters are utilising the state-run Montego Bay Metro in St. James, following the expansion of new routes in western Jamaica. 

 

The buses now operate along the Lucea to Negril route as well as in downtown Montego Bay, Green Pond and Cornwall Court areas. 

 

Students from Green Pond primary and high schools, as well as Farm Primary and Junior High are among those benefitting from the expanded service. 

 

Acting General Manager of Montego Bay Metro, Nashu Lelievre, said the bus service provides greater convenience for vulnerable commuters. 

 

"The fares are extremely cheap. Typically coming to Green Pond High School from downtown Montego Bay is $140 and our fares are $50 for children, the disabled, seniors, and for adults it's $100. So because of the discount in fares, we have got a good turnout this morning and we have been engaging with the PTA, the stakeholders in the community, the principals for the respective high schools. In this region we have approximately four or five schools and we will continue with our dialogue with the community. We will be advertising in the media to ensure that stakeholders are aware of the services that we are providing," he said. 

 

Member of Parliament for St. James Central, Heroy Clarke, who lauded the expansion, also sought to put to rest concerns about competition with taxi operators. 

 

He said the state-owned buses will work in tandem with the public passenger vehicle operators.

 

"The taxi operators should see this as a support system and not a competing system. We are not competing with the taxi. What we are here to do is to provide that support system because on many occasions we would see where the rain is falling, people want to get to where they want to get to on time in a safe and comfortable situation and that's all JUTC is about this morning." 

 

The Metro also provides services to five other routes and six more high schools in western Jamaica.