Commuter confusion

Travellers struggle with uncertainty on first day at transport centre

Many commuters were left perplexed at the start of the first workweek since the opening of the new $400-million transport centre on Water Lane in downtown Kingston.

Some were not sure where their bus or taxi terminated, while others were unaware of the free shuttle service and walked down to the centre. Some took the shuttle and attempted to pay, while others were literally riding from one shuttle to the next, not sure where to get off.

Bus and taxi operators initially refused to utilise the facility. Up to 8 a.m., many bus operators for the Portland, St Mary, and St Thomas routes were still terminating at their original points.

"Some were even leaving persons in Cross Roads or Half-Way Tree, causing people to pay an extra fare to get downtown," said Town Clerk Errol Greene yesterday.

At one point, bus operators were leaving persons at the Shell gas station next to the park instead of turning in. However, once police personnel intervened, the buses started using the park.

"This just shows their indiscipline," said Greene, who noted that despite the challenges, things were flowing smoothly. "One lady was here from 5:10, yet the first St Thomas bus didn't come until 10 minutes to 7."

Taxi operators upset

Up to 9:30 a.m., taxi operators for the three Corporate Area routes - Chisholm Avenue, Jones Town, and Waltham Park Road - had also refused to use the park, but the intervention of the Transport Authority saw them moving down to the park.

They were upset about the existing facility and the fact that up to 10:30 a.m., they still had not got any passengers.

"We are going to make a loss today," said one taxi operator.

President of the All-Island United Route Taxi Association, Raymond Bynes, said his group welcomed the facility. He, however, outlined several issues that he hoped the relevant authorities would address.

"There is no seating, no garbage bins. Commuters are complaining because they are ignorant of the shuttle system and the location," Bynes complained. "One of the biggest problems, however, is the single lane, which doesn't allow for emergency exit. Once the taxis are lined up, if there is an emergency, no one can move until the line moves up."

He added: "This is going to cause controversy between the drivers."

One thing that was running smoothly all morning was the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) shuttle system, which was on regular rotation from the bus park to Pechon Street, Parade, along Church Street and Port Royal Street, back to the park.

"There is no question about the availability of the shuttles. The system is working perfectly, connecting all points," said Reginald Allen, corporate communications manager for the JUTC.

"This first week is a transition period, but by next week, it should smooth itself out; people will get used to the system."

Although operation of the shuttle service is expected to cost the JUTC $60 million per year, the company expects that revenues will increase by 20 per cent.

"We were making a loss with the disorder that existed before. Once we have order, the system will work for us, and everyone will win," Allen declared.

By 10 a.m., Parade was clear of its usual congestion, with several wreckers parked at the original termination points and occasionally seizing vehicles.

"The congestion and confusion that was at Parade should be pretty clear now. The bus and taxi drivers were very unruly and now we will have order. This is one of the best things that ever happened," said Special Corporal Christopher Smith, who was part of the heavy police presence that prevailed downtown.

The JUTC is now the only public transportation allowed to operate in Parade.

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