Jazz and Blues boasts better shuttle service

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

Chairman of the Art of Music Productions (AMP), organisers of the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival Walter Elmore, believes this year's transportation service will be at its best. Speaking at 'The Art of Music' Transportation Press Briefing, recently, Elmore said this year's transportation will be the best organised we will ever see.

"Other than the line-up for this year's staging of the festival, the transport is one of the biggest stories. This year we did a great job ... we worked hand in hand with the Taxi Association of Jamaica and together we are providing the best transport service available," he said.

Affordable price

The Jazz team has already contracted taxi services to provide door-to-door shuttle service, and according to Elmore, the price is affordable.

"The tourism, hotel and transportation systems are complicated because of different contracts, but we have arranged a price with them, so it's US$10 each way from any hotel in Montego Bay. All the designated operators are offering the same price and that makes transportation available from everywhere. That is what we aimed to accomplish and I'm very proud of that," he said.

The bus service will be provided by Knutsford Express in collaboration with the JUTC.

Hopeton Thompson, Operations Manager at Knutsford Express, disclosed that the buses were in good condition and that all required standards will be maintained.

"The buses that will be used are premium. These buses are at the peak of condition with AC, reclining seats and entertainment ... there will be a briefing process for the drivers in an effort to ensure that expected standards are maintained," he said.

The early-bird round trip on Knutsford Express from Kingston to Trelawny will cost patrons $2,500 and, from Ocho Rios to Trelawny will attract a cost of $1,800.

For same-day round trips from Kingston to Trelawny, the cost will be $2,800, and from Ocho Rios to Trelawny same-day round trips will be $2,100.

Early-bird trips

For one-way early-bird trips from Kingston to Trelawny or from Trelawny to Kingston, the cost is set at $1,500. However, one-way trips from Ocho Rios to Trelawny or Trelawny to Ocho Rios will cost $1,000.

Buses are scheduled to depart from Portmore Pines and the National Indoor Sports Complex. They are set to depart from Kingston at 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m.

However, buses departing from Ocho Rios will do so at 3 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m.

The Jazz Taxi Service will provide taxis to act as shuttles, taking patrons from their homes to the departure locations.

General secretary of the National Council of Taxi Association Author Green, promised a well-structured and efficient taxi service.

"The drivers will be identifiable by uniform and badges, they will also sport stickers provided by Jazz and Blues. We advise patrons to be vigilant and keen in observing marks and take special note of whom you drive with," he said.

"Patrons who wish to utilise the taxi service must state their intention upon the purchasing of Jazz and Blues tickets. They will be given a taxi slip which will guarantee transport to and from the event. The slip will carry two parts, one to give to the driver for pickup and the other end will be used for the return trip. These may be used with any of the designated taxi operators and will cost US$10-$15 for a round trip," he said.

For further information on the Jazz Taxi Service, patrons can visit www.jamaicajazzandblues.com or call 322-2160.