More meetings planned with restive transport operators - Transport Authority

The Transport Authority says more meetings are planned with restive operators following one today that looked at concerns with the regulatory system, including the suspension of licenses that accumulate 10 demerit points. 

The meeting, which was announced from last week, came a day after transport operators withdrew their services to press their demands for changes. The protest did not continue into Tuesday. 

The meeting was convened with the Transport Authority, Jamaica Constabulary Force, Island Traffic Authority, members of the Public Transport Operators Steering Committee, technical representatives from the transport ministry. 

Representatives from Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators , National Council of Taxi Association, All Voice, National Transport Alliance Group, Spanish Town Taxi Association, Jamaica Association of Hackney Contract Carriage and other sector operators were also present, a Transport Authority statement said. 

It said Transport Minister Daryl Vaz made an unannounced visit to the meeting and noted that all areas of contention, which included the nature of offences, fines and demerit points were identified and recommendations, which were agreed on by all parties, were made. 

The recommendations will be considered under the current revision of the Road Traffic Act that which is expected to be completed in June.  

But Vaz said addressing concerns of persons who have already reached the threshold for suspension of licence will be dealt with in another meeting to be held next week. 

“That matter will be referred to the ministry and a decision taken at cabinet level,” he said. 

And Vaz shared that the question of how to resolve discrepancies with tickets issued to motorists was also be addressed. He noted that complaints relate persons with tickets later finding out that the information pertaining to driver and or motor vehicle is incorrect. 

He said the police has since provided a 24-hour help desk at the Traffic Ticketing Support Unit, to facilitate those concerns. 

“In the meantime, the Steering Committee continues to work assiduously to complete the review process and present the final recommendations to the minister by the end of June 2024, as we continue to communicate and collaborate for consensus,” the minister said. 

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