Refurbishing plant for JUTC buses to open in September
Published:Saturday | July 9, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Mark Titus, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
THE GOVERNMENT is working aggressively to meet a September deadline for the opening of a refurbishing plant in Montego Bay, where more than 300 of the 750 damaged Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses will be rehabilitated.
The plant will be housed at the Montego Bay Metro Limited base in Bogue, St James, and will be a collaboration with Brazilian firm Incaval, which will provide the equipment for the project.
"Our first effort is to refurbish as many of our buses, and place them back in the system," said Mike Henry, minister of transport and works, during the handover of two Volvo 53-seater buses, each valued at US$30,000 (approximately $J2.5 million) to Montego Bay Metro on Thursday.
"This will eliminate the need and cost of sending our buses overseas for repairs, and will see us getting more out of our investment into a proper transportation system."
Planned Transfer of technology
The plant will initially be operated by the Brazilian firm, but according to JUTC Managing Director Paul Abrahams, a critical part of the programme is a planned transfer of technology.
"One of the most critical parts of this programme is the transfer of technology from the Brazilians to Jamaicans," he said. "We do not intend that the Brazilians be here forever, so passing on the technology and the expertise is key to our plans."
Added Abrahams: "This whole project is a win-win for Jamaica."
The new buses has brought MoBay Metro's fleet to 10, and forms part of the ministry's move to introduce an urban/rural service for the parishes of Trelawny, St James and Hanover.
According to Henry, he will be approaching Cabinet with a proposal to acquire 235 smaller buses, specifically for the rural parishes.
"It might prove to be a hard sell, but we must appreciate that each area has a unique terrain, and I will be fighting hard to make this a reality."