In service of civil servants

Glenroy Sinclair, Assignment Coordinator

Have you ever attempted to stop one of those grey and burgundy-streaked buses marked 'Government of Jamaica' and, despite being partially empty, it never stopped? Well, it is not easy to get on this ride.

These well-kept, air-conditioned and spacious buses are dispatched to various routes within the Corporate Area and Portmore, St Catherine, to pick up civil servants at specific points.

"It is a staff bus for Government employees, plus the fare is subsidised," said Dennis Townsend, one of the deputy financial secretaries at the Ministry of Finance.

Many persons, including other Government civil servants, may have been trying to access the bus service, but according to Townsend, it is not so easy.

Exclusive service

"Those persons will have to submit an application to the ministry and there are limited seats available," he said.

He said an average of 17,000 civil servants utilises the bus service on a monthly basis. Each week, they are given a different colour pass to access the bus.

A number of commuters have been curious about the operations of these buses. Automotives understands that the buses are sometimes chartered by private individuals.

The fleet of luxury buses are managed by Bloomfield Jamaica Limited, a company which is based on Hope Road, St Andrew.

"Some of these buses are well over 10 years old, but they are well kept and are serviced properly," said an employee at the company, who wished not to be identified.