THE Jamaica Union of Tertiary Students (JUTS) has called for the immediate roll-back of bus fares for students with IDs and senior citizens.

Bus fares were increased, by an average of 50 per cent, in the Corporate Area on Saturday as the Government tries to stem the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s (JUTC) hoemorrhaging that has seen it chalking up losses of $115 million a month.

According to JUTS, its call comes against the background that there has already been “considerable increases in the cost of books, uniforms and tuition fees.

“It is our firm belief that this increase in transportation would be placing an unbearable burden at the feet of the parents, especially when coupled with the fact that their own cost of travel has been increased, there is an escalating inflation rate and there has been no significant increase in wages,” the union said in a release. “Tertiary students are also facing a dilemma as the government has opted to reduce their contribution to tertiary education, resulting in a phenomenal increase in their tuition fees.”

The union of tertiary students maintained that senior citizens — who they said now suffer from “grossly insufficient” pension packages — would also be hard hit by the fare hike.

“…it is imperative that we protect out senior citizens and not relegate them to a life of poverty and dismay,” JUTS said.

Adding that it was aware of the problems facing the JUTC, and the challenges of making it a viable entity, JUTS offered to help find other solutions for the cash-strapped company.

“The union is willing to be a part of any task force formed to devise alternate plans to reduce the downfall in revenue of the public transportation system,” the students’ union said. “The Jamaica Union of Tertiary Students, however, is resolute that students and senior citizens should retain their original fares.”