KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), in collaboration with the Transport Authority (TA) and the National Works Agency (NWA), will be undertaking work to convert the South Parade car park into a taxi car park for several routes.

Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister, Daryl Vaz made the announcement at the ministry’s press conference on Tuesday, March 4 at the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre in Kingston.

Vaz said the TA has been working with the police, NWA and the KSAMC to identify additional parking space for taxi operators.

“The issue of inadequate parking for taxi and bus operators did not happen overnight and will require regulatory and urban planning adjustments,” he said.

To improve the space downtown, security posts will be constructed, the car park will be marked to accommodate taxis and bathroom facilities and exit points are also to be constructed.

In addition, an area along King Street is also being earmarked to accommodate parking for route taxi operators.

The Pechon Street Transport Centre is to be used to accommodate parking for taxis. The particular routes are to be determined through further consultation.

Parking will also be accommodated in the Spencer James Car Park, as well as along North Odeon Avenue for some of these taxi operators in Half-Way Tree.

— JIS