NPTAJ wants JUTC services extended to other parishes

 

Stewart Jacobs, President of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica (NPTAJ), wants the services of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) to be extended to other parishes to make transportation more affordable for students.

 

His call comes in light of public outcry associated with the recent 19 per cent bus and taxi fare increase which took effect on Sunday.

 

JUTC fares will remain at the existing rate. 

 

Mr. Jacobs says greater attention must be given to public transportation issues outside of the Corporate Area. 

 

"Let's ask the JUTC to expand the service. Let's ask the government to encourage and to foster it happening because Jamaica is not just Kingston and St. Andrew, but it's 14 parishes. And the 14 parishes has (sic) children who are going to be doing the same exams, same external exams, they're going to be going to the same universities here, so let's have it at an even keel," he proposed. 

 

Mr. Jacobs also bemoaned the quality of services offered by route taxis and buses, saying it is not commensurate with the increase granted.

 

He has called for a public-private partnership to create a school bus system that would charge more affordable rates. 

 

"Identify a local private entity that will invest in transportation, because transportation is a lucrative business. So let's face that. And if a private entity could partner with government to have a dedicated bus service for children, and for tertiary institutions going to and from school, that's a good investment."

 

He suggested there could be negotiations with Petrojam and other stakeholders to facilitate cheaper prices. 

 

Mr. Jacobs was a guest Tuesday on the Morning Agenda on Power 106.