KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) Limited is forecasting an increase in ridership to approximately 31.7 million during fiscal year 2024/25, up from 14.8 million in 2023/24, based on the entity’s operational plan for the period.

This, from an increase in the number of buses in operation daily to 289, as against 163 in fiscal year 2023/24.

The entity will also be looking to increase its fleet by 130, comprising 100 compressed natural gas and 30 diesel buses.

The JUTC anticipates that with improved driver training and the provision of punctual, clean bus services, customer satisfaction will increase, leading to a projected load factor of 60 per cent compared to 56 per cent in 2023/24.

Details of these and other related programmed engagements are outlined in the Jamaica Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the Fiscal Year ending March 2025.

Meanwhile, the JUTC plans to improve its fleet inspection and preventative maintenance programme, which is expected to significantly reduce vehicle breakdowns and maintenance costs.

The JUTC Limited was incorporated on July 13, 1998, with a mandate to provide a safe, reliable, modern, professional, efficient and cost-effective transportation service across the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region (KMTR), which covers five franchise areas — Eastern, Spanish Town, Papine, Portmore, and Northern.

Additionally, the company operates a Central Maintenance Workshop (CMW) located at Ashenheim Road in Kingston.

The company also operates from the Half-Way Tree Transportation Centre, which comprises a two-level bus station and a 900 square-metre terrace, serving as a central hub for buses and commuters.

The JUTC’s establishment was initiated by the Government to regulate the public transportation system.

Aligned with national policy objectives, the JUTC is required to facilitate the provision of 25,000 to 31,000 seats daily to accommodate the commuting public within the KMTR.

— JIS