Dear Editor,

I have noted with joy and amazement the rapid pace, scope, and proliferation of the development of Jamaica’s infrastructure within the Corporate Area. I am most certain that this is not only welcomed but long overdue in the eyes of the Jamaican people. Well done, Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

The main concern I wish to outline, however, is the lack of equal development in the area of public transportation.

There is little need for me to expound on the importance of having an efficient public transportation network that works for all Jamaicans. Since the inception of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) there have not been any significant changes in how public transportation operates in Jamaica. This points to a lack of innovation in thinking. It is not as if to say that the system is not broken so we do not need to fix it; very far from it. Ask any public commuter about the problems of the JUTC and they can tell you at the drop of a hat.

It is my firm belief that with our infrastructure being improved, Government must also overhaul our aging public transportation system. This overhaul should include, but not be limited to, introduction of light rail services within and between Kingston, Montego Bay, Spanish Town, and Portmore — owing to the population density, of course. Revitalisation of the national rail service would open up sections of the island previously not connected.

Failure to improve public transportation will lead right back to traffic congestion because people will be forced to own cars to get around, which is counter-productive to the aims of the Government.

Fixing public transportation is critical to the national development and attainment of Vision 2030 and it is key to a sustainable future for all Jamaicans, especially those less fortunate.

Javon Moatt

moattj@hotmail.com