Dear Editor,

With Jamaica about to commemorate its 50th year of political independence, the future does not look too bright. The crime rate dipped last year, but most of that might have been the result of Christopher “Dudus” Coke and his associates going undercover for a while. Still it has not dipped to the degree that we can confidently say that the law enforcement authorities have a good handle on it yet. Nevertheless, there might be some light at the end of that dark tunnel.

The traffic situation, on the other hand, is getting from bad to worse. Too many vehicles are on the roads and it has become increasingly difficult to keep highways and by-ways in good condition. Plus the country has no money. Despite its chronic financial indebtedness, this is a time for the government to come out with a bold, long-term solution for the traffic problem. Jamaica needs an integrated transportation system that connects the existing main roads within an efficient transportation system that covers the island in an integrated circuit.

A speedy light rail system should be constructed that connects Kingston, Portmore and Spanish Town. That would take several hundred cars off the roads every day. Then express trains should connect all the principal towns between Kingston and Montego Bay, and along the branch line to Port Antonio. Buses and taxis would then connect the train stations to workplaces, hospitals, markets and government offices. The eventual goal should be to eliminate most leisure driving by providing adequate, reliable, convenient and economical public transportation. That would be good for the public, good for the economy, and good for the environment.

John Daley

Montego Bay

St James