The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has announced the launch of a new rural stage carriage route connecting Linstead to Spanish Town, St Catherine.

The new 605 route will officially commence operations on Monday, January 27 and, according to the state-owned bus company, will provide safe, reliable, and affordable transportation for residents along the corridor.

Buses on the route will operate via Bog Walk and Angels. The adult fare is $100 using the SmarterCard and $150 using cash. The concession fare for seniors is $50 using the SmarterCard and $150 if cash is used. The concession fare for students and the disabled is $50 whenever the SmarterCard is used and $150 for cash.

In terms of schedule, buses depart Linstead at 6:00 am, 6:30 am, 8:30 am, 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Spanish Town departures are 7:15 am, 7:45 am, 9:00 am, 3:15 pm, 3:45 pm, 5:45 pm, 6:15 pm and 7:30 pm.

“JUTC remains committed to enhancing the commuting experience for all Jamaicans. This new Linstead to Spanish Town route is a direct response to the growing demand for convenient and affordable transportation in rural areas. We are confident it will make a significant positive impact on the lives of our passengers,” said acting managing director at the JUTC, Owen Ellington.

Corporate Communications Manager, Shantole Thompson added: “JUTC remains focused on improving our services to better serve our customers. To support the launch of this route, our team will be on location at the Rose Duncan Park (Linstead) to assist with SmarterCard top-ups and answer any questions from commuters. We encourage all passengers to take advantage of the cost-saving benefits of the SmarterCard”.

JUTC said the SmarterCard is an essential tool for commuters who wish to save time and money while traveling on its buses. By using the SmarterCard, passengers can enjoy reduced fares compared to paying with cash, making their daily commute more affordable. Additionally, the card streamlines the boarding process, reducing delays and improving overall efficiency.