Jamaica’s Public Bus company wants 40% increase
Monday, September 14th, 2009“Everywhere you tun macka juk u”. That is a popular Jamaican proverb but it you are a Jamaican Motorist and consumer, battling general , toll, gas prices increases and their effects, that is how it sounds. If you harbour any thoughts of parking the vehicle and opting for public transport take note of the pending increases of 40% if the the Jamaica Urban Transportation Company(JUTC) request is granted
well overdue
The problem is the government while it must subsidise the transport service can not do so at the current levels. The JUTC has been losing significant money. This year they are projected to lose J$ 1.5 billion dollars.
A 40% increase means that the basic fare of $50 moves to $70. For one week to journey to work and back expenditure on fares would move from $500 dollars to $700 dollars. If you are unfortunate to have to take two buses that means $1000 to $1400.
In these times that is a serious dent in the pocket. The problem is even worse when you realise that there are some places that public transport does not server and commuters must often take “robot” or route taxis to a point before opting to use the public transport.
Despite the proposed fare increases, public transportation is option that many will have to look to with the continuing recession in Jamaica.
n.b. Later this week we will take a second look at that stimulus package for Jamaican auto dealers.