The Editor, Sir:

I note with appreciation and concern, the complaint of commuter Dayon Gray of Cavaliers district, St Andrew in the January 20 issue of The Gleaner, regarding an unpleasant experience in the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre on Thursday, January 15.

I must, on behalf of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), extend an apology to Dayton Gray and the many other commuters who have for some time been experiencing difficulties in getting timely transportation to some very hilly communities like Above Rocks and Border in deep rural St Andrew.

A solution

The problem stems from a shortage of the specific type of buses that can manage the extremely hilly routes with full passenger loads. This created some problems for the JUTC in fully servicing the routes.

However, with the direct intervention of Transport and Works Minister Mike Henry, who coincidentally visited the Transport Centre on January 15, a solution has been found, and further improvement is projected for the future. The minister was at the transport centre to participate in a ceremony in recognition of the first anniversary of the facility, and encountered a large gathering of commuters waiting to go up to some hilly St Andrew destinations.

At the minister's direction, a number of the required buses were pulled from other duties to immediately bring more comfort to the hilly route commuters. This has been evidenced since then, with much improved service being experienced there at present.

Reassess the service

Additionally, with the pending deployment of the 50 newly acquired Volvo buses into the JUTC fleet, this will allow for much greater ability to deploy enough of the type of units that can handle the very hilly routes, to service the special commuting needs there.

While Dayton Gray was understandably frustrated by the long wait which was experienced on January 15, I urge the commuters along the routes mentioned, to reassess the present service levels there, based on the new arrangements in place, and we pledge to continue to build upon the recent improvements.

I am, etc.,

REGINALD ALLEN

rallen@jutc.com.jm

Corporate Communications

Manager

Jamaica Urban Transit Company