Private bus operators signing up for new franchise system - JUTC

Their national association might be unhappy, but some private bus operators are reportedly going ahead and securing new sub-franchise licences to continue operating in the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region.

Colin Campbell, Managing Director of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) told RJR News on Saturday that the process of signing up sub-franchise holders under the revised system had been going smoothly.

The revised system is set to take effect on April 1, when the JUTC, a state owned bus company, will assume control of some routes that are currently being operated, under franchise by private bus owners.

The JUTC invited applications for sub-franchise licences earlier this month, but plans to reduce the number offered from the current 572 to 425. So far, according to Campbell, “approximately 300 persons have picked up invitations.” That figure, he said, represents, about 75 per cent of the available franchises.

With one week to go, he said he expected the remaining 25 per cent to be picked up by interested persons during the course of the week and for all applicants to meet the deadline of Friday, January 31 to submit their applications.

Mr. Campbell said when the applications are considered, the reduction in the number of sub-franchises will mainly affect coaster buses, with the plan being to reduce the number of those buses from the present 86, to 53.

He explained that after the period for applying is closed, the applications will be processed in time for the successful applicants to colour code their buses for their designated  routes.

The restructuring plan for the public transportation system, has met with some resistance from the National Association of Transport Operators (NATO), one of the main groupings of private bus operators. A call for a one-day cessation of service by NATO members last Thursday failed to win significant support, however, leaving the  leaders of the group without any significant leverage with the government.

Nevertheless, NATO announced on Friday that it had secured a meeting with Transport Minister Dr. Omar Davies, set for Tuesday, January 28, to discuss their concerns.

NATO has also threatened to seek a court injunction, to restrain the JUTC from making the announced changes.