KINGSTON, St Andrew — The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) will expand its Rural Express Service on October 1, 2025, introducing new intercity routes that will directly link Kingston to Ocho Rios, Negril and May Pen.

The company also confirmed that a Port Antonio service will be added shortly thereafter.

These additions follow earlier announcements about routes to Montego Bay and Mandeville, with the Mandeville route in operation from July.

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To celebrate the milestone, JUTC will introduce an introductory fare of $2,000 per trip for long-haul routes, while the May Pen service will cost $1,500 per trip. The company says the expansion is aimed at giving Jamaicans a more affordable, comfortable and reliable alternative to existing travel options.

Managing Director of the JUTC, Owen Ellington, described the move as transformative.

“The JUTC is committed to connecting communities across Jamaica in a way that is reliable, affordable and comfortable. These new rural express routes open opportunities for people to travel with ease, whether to work, school, family, or leisure, while enjoying a service they can depend on. Our mission is simple: to keep Jamaica moving safely and efficiently, one ride at a time,” he said.

The new routes will offer premium seating and direct service between Kingston and major towns, targeting not just commuters but also students, families and tourists.

To accompany the rollout, JUTC will launch a nationwide awareness campaign under the theme “JUTC Rural Express: Connecting People with Comfort You Can Afford”. The initiative will highlight the cultural, tourism and social benefits of expanded rural connectivity, reinforcing the company’s focus on convenience, affordability and comfort.

With this expansion, the JUTC says it is strengthening its role in national development while redefining long-distance public transport for Jamaicans.