WITH its buses stoned in at least 13 communities in recent times, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is appealing to Jamaicans to stop.

This follows another stoning incident on Wednesday evening when a bus — commissioned into service just the day before — was stoned in the vicinity of Drewsland, St Andrew.

According to the JUTC, approximately 7:45 pm, a bus operating on Route 32B to Spanish Town via Washington Boulevard was attacked by unidentified individuals in the vicinity of Drewsland.

Stones were thrown at the bus, resulting in significant damage to the front windshield. The bus was fully occupied at the time; however, no injuries were sustained by passengers.

The JUTC said this incident has been reported to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and investigations are currently under way.

“This reckless behaviour not only threatens the safety of our drivers and commuters but also undermines the company’s ability to deliver reliable public transportation across the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region,” said JUTC Managing Director Owen Ellington.

“We strongly condemn these attacks on our buses. Stoning buses endangers lives, damage valuable national assets, and erodes public confidence in public transportation services. We call on citizens to stand with us in protecting our commuters, and urge anyone with information on the perpetrators to report it to the Jamaica Constabulary Force immediately,” added Ellington.

He said the JUTC “wishes to remind the public that these buses are a critical part of national assets, serving thousands of commuters daily, including students, senior citizens, and workers. The damage caused by stoning not only incurs significant repair costs but can also lead to service disruptions.

“We are urging communities to work with us to prevent further incidents.”

The JUTC is urging anyone with information to contact the nearest police station or call/ WhatsApp 876-570-1789.

“The safety and security of commuters remains our top priority. Together, we can ensure that public transportation remains safe, reliable, and accessible to all,” said the State-owned bus company which was presented with 93 new buses on Wednesday.

Reported areas of recent stoning of JUTC buses include:

• Three Miles (Majesty Gardens)

• Seaview Gardens

• Six Miles

• Washington Boulevard to Zadie Gardens

• Hagley Park Road in the vicinity of Three Miles

• Cumberland

• Christian Gardens

• Greater Portmore

• Passagefort

• Caymanas

• Sir Florizel Glasspole Blvd in the vicinity of Flour Mills

• Bayshore Park bus stop

• Vicinity of Donald Quarrie bus stop

ELLINGTON… these buses are a critical part of national assets, serving thousands of commuters daily, including students, senior citizens, and workers