KINGSTON, Jamaica— The Ministry of Transport, through the Transport Authority is currently undertaking a series of training sessions for operators of public passenger vehicles (PPV), with a view to helping them improve their customer service.

Just shy of 3,600 drivers and conductors have already registered for training with 450 having already completed the programme.

This was disclosed recently by the Minister of Transport, Daryl Vaz, during a statement in Parliament.

“I am serious about creating a public transportation system we can all be proud of,” said Vaz.

“It is my intention to ensure that operators in the service are adequately trained in customer service, safety, and other areas of core competencies and in this way, I am being deliberate about improving the levels of service provided to Jamaica’s commuting public,” Vaz added.

The minister said the Transport Authority is also currently working to establish a PPV Drivers’ Register that will assist in monitoring the behaviour of the drivers.

“It will also serve as the pool for qualified PPV drivers from which owners will be able to select drivers. The Transport Authority will also be activating the Suspension and Revocation Policy to treat with rogue operators with effect from April 1, 2024 when the new licensing period for operators begins,” Vaz shared.

Vaz noted that the register will go a far way in weeding out rouge drivers from the system. Specifically, it will prevent them from moving from vehicle to vehicle as owners will now be able to trace the history of each driver, including the number of accidents they were involved in, and the number of traffic tickets they have been issued.