Dear Editor,
On November 17, 2013 the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) discontinued the "transfer" system and, against huge public outcry, has implemented what it describes as alternatives. Only time will tell if there will be a public backlash from this action or persons will sheepishly accept it, I however would like to carefully look at the alternatives which the JUTC has presented. The General Manager Colin Campbell was kind enough to direct me to where I can get information on these "alternatives" and that's where my astonishment climaxed.
A careful analysis of the alternatives shows that they have pretty much reverted to the pre-Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre routes, with one exception: that they are express routes (save for one or two).
This we can use to assume that the 2008 Transport Centre/Shuttle Hub service was a grand failure. It also means that, on the now express routes, the JUTC is free to increase fares as it sees fit, as the Minister of Transport and Works can only impact the fares on the non-express routes.
But most of all is the nefarious act against the most vulnerable among us, as the JUTC offers no protection for various groups in society. Under this "alternative" system, there will be no cushion for children, pensioners, mentally and physically disabled or visually impaired individuals who will have to pay the full fares as everyone else or pay up to double fares to get to their destination. Who represented their interest at the JUTC board meeting when these decisions were being contemplated? Who in civil society cares enough to lend a voice to protecting our brothers/sisters and children?
Valdimir N Wallace
St Andrew
valdimir.wallace@gmail.com
JUTC 'unfare' to the most vulnerable
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On November 17, 2013 the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) discontinued the "transfer" system and, against huge public outcry, has implemented what it describes as alternatives. Only time will tell if there will be a public backlash from this action or persons will sheepishly accept it, I however would like to carefully look at the alternatives which the JUTC has presented. The General Manager Colin Campbell was kind enough to direct me to where I can get information on these "alternatives" and that's where my astonishment climaxed.
A careful analysis of the alternatives shows that they have pretty much reverted to the pre-Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre routes, with one exception: that they are express routes (save for one or two).
This we can use to assume that the 2008 Transport Centre/Shuttle Hub service was a grand failure. It also means that, on the now express routes, the JUTC is free to increase fares as it sees fit, as the Minister of Transport and Works can only impact the fares on the non-express routes.
But most of all is the nefarious act against the most vulnerable among us, as the JUTC offers no protection for various groups in society. Under this "alternative" system, there will be no cushion for children, pensioners, mentally and physically disabled or visually impaired individuals who will have to pay the full fares as everyone else or pay up to double fares to get to their destination. Who represented their interest at the JUTC board meeting when these decisions were being contemplated? Who in civil society cares enough to lend a voice to protecting our brothers/sisters and children?
Valdimir N Wallace
St Andrew
valdimir.wallace@gmail.com
JUTC 'unfare' to the most vulnerable
-->