THE long-awaited Linstead Transportation Centre in St Catherine, which opened on Tuesday after eight years under construction, is expected to significantly ease traffic in the historic St Catherine town.

The centre, which was first announced in December 2006, suffered several delays. However, last May the Ministry of Transport and Works inked a $38.2-million deal with Black Brothers Incorporated Limited for the construction of the centre at 23 King Street and on Wednesday, Transport and Works Minister Dr Omar Davies said the centre was completed on time and within budget.

The facility, which boasts an administrative office, restroom facilities, two guard houses, three vending stalls, two shops, parking lanes and a gazebo, will accommodate 292 route taxis and 110 rural buses on a scheduled basis.

“Linstead has grown by leaps and bounds and it is located at a particular point whereby it serves a variety of smaller towns. So, it’s not surprising that, with people needing public transportation, there is congestion,” Dr Davies said.

He said as a result of that growth and the accompanying challenges, the ministry sought to respond positively as, along with the construction of the centre, $10 million was spent to refurbish the Linstead taxi stand, which operates as a terminal point for 209 taxis serving 13 communities.

“I look forward to less congestion in the town of Linstead, I look forward to more order in terms of traffic, I look forward to reducing inconvenience for pedestrians, business operators, motorists and all road users,” Davies added, while noting that the centre will be monitored by the police and personnel from the Transport Authority.

Meanwhile, he urged commuters and bus and taxi operators to take good care of the centre, which was “built for their convenience and not for them to abuse”.

Member of Parliament for St Catherine North West, Robert Pickersgill, said that the construction of the centre was a deliberate strategy to increase access for his constituents to reliable and efficient transportation services.

“Now the farmer from Wakesfield, the vendor from Ewarton, the teacher from Linstead Primary School and our children will have an easier and more comfortable experience moving goods and travelling between districts and communities,” Pickersgill said, adding that the centre will ease the “pressure in the town”, particularly during peak hours.

His sentiments were shared by Managing Director of the Transport Authority Donald Foster.

“Disorder and congestion have now come to an end with the opening of this facility,” Foster said.