Transportation changes coming

There is no decision yet on proposed changes to the operation of the downtown Kingston Transportation Centre.

A multi-agency team of the Transport Authority, the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation and the Urban Development Corporation has been reviewing the operations of the system which was implemented in January, and considering changes.

With several complaints from members of the public and transport operators, the multimillion-dollar bus and taxi park remains underutilised, prompting a review of the system.

One of the proposals now on the table is for the relocation of all Portmore-based routes for Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses and their subfranchise holders to the Water Lane Terminal.

Since the launch of the new system, JUTC Portmore buses have been operating from Parade and subfranchise operators from the Pechon Street facility in downtown Kingston.

It is also being proposed that rural operators from St Thomas, Portland, St Mary and rural St Andrew should terminate in the Pechon Street terminal facility.

According to the Transport Authority, the JUTC will continue to offer a reliable shuttle service to ensure connectivity of commuters between Parade and the bus park, free of cost to passengers.

The Transport Authority says the new system forms part of a greater vision for the evolution of the transportation system for downtown Kingston to one that is modern, convenient, reliable and hassle-free.

"A system that is in keeping with the redevelopment plans for the realisation of a fully redeveloped, orderly and modern metropolis," said the Transport Authority.