JUTC to reduce Ocho Rios bus service following displacement concerns from PPV operators
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The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is reporting that effective Wednesday, May 20, it will reduce the frequency of its Ocho Rios service in response to concerns raised by Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) operators who also serve the corridor.
The bus company, in a statement on Sunday, said the adjustment forms part of the JUTC's continued commitment to stakeholder engagement and responsible service planning.
The JUTC said while it remains focused on providing commuters with a safe, reliable, and affordable transportation option between the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region (KMTR) and Ocho Rios, it recognises the importance of maintaining balance within the wider public transportation sector.
The company said its intention is not to displace existing PPV operators, but rather to complement the available transport options for commuters who depend on consistent, scheduled, and affordable service.
"JUTC understands the concerns raised by PPV operators, and we have taken the decision to reduce the Ocho Rios service as a demonstration of good faith and partnership," said Shantole Thompson, Corporate Communications Manager at the JUTC.
"Our objective has always been to provide a safe, reliable, and affordable option for commuters travelling between the KMTR and Ocho Rios, while ensuring that we do not negatively impact the livelihood of other operators who serve the route."
Thompson further noted that the JUTC will continue to monitor commuter demand, operational performance, and stakeholder feedback to guide any future adjustments.
"We are committed to listening, engaging, and acting responsibly. Public transportation works best when all stakeholders are considered, and this adjustment reflects our willingness to respond in a balanced and practical way," she added.
The JUTC said it remains committed to improving access to public transportation across Jamaica through services that are safe, dependable, and affordable, while supporting the Government's broader vision for an integrated and efficient transport system.
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