TRANSPORT Minister Mike Henry says the government is to review a decision taken by the previous administration on whether the newly built Half-Way Tree Transport Centre will only accommodate Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses.

In addition, Henry said traffic congestion in the busy Half-Way Tree square, in anticipation of the opening of the centre, as well as deciding on an ideal location for taxis operating out of that area would also be reviewed.

“We haven’t decided on a policy as to how to approach the transport centre as yet because I have not been fully briefed on the matter, but we will be looking carefully at a number of things to see how they will relate to the opening of the centre,” Henry told the Observer.

Henry, who is scheduled to tour the centre today, said he would also be soliciting the assistance of members of the recently appointed JUTC board on the issue.

Former Transport Minister Robert Pickersgill had announced in July that the centre would only accommodate JUTC buses.

Henry told the Observer last week that the transport centre is just about complete, except for some work to be done on surrounding areas, including the access road.

The transportation centre is being constructed at a cost of US$71.3 million (J$4.7 billion). When completed, the double-level facility will be outfitted with 17 commercial shops, four kiosks and a 900-square-foot terrace capable of holding three fast-food type outlets. It will be able to accommodate up to 64 buses simultaneously.

The project is being financed by the Belgian Government under a concessionary loan arrangement through the Commezbank of Belgium.