What is the maximum capacity for JUTC buses?

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I must start off by applauding how far we as a people have come with the formalization of the bus system by way of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). It is a pleasure to see the yellow fleet of buses navigating the roads, both rural and urban, providing ‘timed’ transportation to the population.

Now, I am aware of the fact that there are quite a few kinks that need sorting out, but this particular one should not be ignored. After much observation, I have since mentally renamed the Jamaican Urban Transit Company and dubbed it with the true meaning of J.U.T.C – ‘Juk Up’ [or] ‘Tightly Crammed’. These two phrases or pairing of words provide a choice for the different levels of lexical comfort.

Looking up into these buses is a sight to behold and a math problem regarding volume to be deciphered. A sardine tin with its contents would make a more spacious vessel of a similar shape than these stifling buses.

With sometimes more than three quarters of the route left to traverse, the buses are grossly overcrowded. From the viewpoint of the front windscreen, the driver cannot be easily seen, as personal space has never been allowed on these trips .

But, enough of the graphic descriptions and on to a more serious note. I really want to know. What is the maximum capacity for the JUTC? What happens in case of an emergency on or off the bus (fire or accident)? What of insurance, doesn’t it increase the chances of liability? Must our bus system reflect our sordid realities? I am a concerned citizen.

AVA MITCHELL

avagmitch@gmail.com