Fix the JUTC engine
Dear Editor,
The Government recently allowed the JUTC to once again hike the fares charged without requiring the company to take all necessary measures to reduce its constant waste.
Currently the JUTC operates the 32, 42, 44, 46, 49 and a number of other buses that leave the Half-Way-Tree centre to downtown. On several occasions these buses are leaving the centre with no more than four or five passengers. I find it ridiculous to operate so many buses along the same route when one bus can do the same job.
I completely understand that passengers from various destinations want to travel to downtown, however, I don’t think sending out half-empty buses is the answer. Why not have a straight shuttle that goes from the centre to downtown with no stopping in-between. When they operate so many buses it means they have to fuel six buses instead of one. It also means they are paying six drivers instead of one.
Another way they are wasting money is, on several occasions, the buses are parked with the air -coniditioning running and sometimes with the door open. These practices waste fuel, thus waste money.
Most of the buses seem not to be on any kind of schedule. Passengers will be waiting for a bus, and when it finally arrives, just behind it is another bus of the same number.
It would have been good if the minister of transport had taken these things into account before giving them another raise.
JUTC can do better if different management strategies are implemented. JUTC is wasting money and it will continue because whenever they ask for a raise of fare, they get it without being asked to take all necessary precautions to save money. Please do better, Mr Minister.
Brian O Lynch
briano.lynch@yahoo.com