For commuters who rely on the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), buses will continue to operate as long as it is safe for the company to do so.

The assurance was given on Thursday by Transport Minister Daryl Vaz, who detailed how the state-owned bus company will operate between now and when conditions associated with Tropical Storm Melissa begin to impact the country. Vaz was speaking at a Jamaica House media briefing that was held to update the country on the Government’s level of preparedness for the storm.

“JUTC will maintain regular bus operations as long conditions are safe to do so. Service updates will be shared by social media and public channels,” Vaz said.

He shared that 30 buses are designated for emergency deployment across depots in Portmore, Spanish Town, Rockfort and Montego Bay, with each depot activating an emergency operations committee. The minister said JUTC representatives are embedded in national and parish emergency centres for coordinated response.

He also said all depots, fuel stations and assets have been secured and the company is prepared to support evacuation and transport efforts if needed. Montego Bay Metro and Western Transport Operations remain fully operational and will continue to provide service as long as weather conditions allow.

Meanwhile, Vaz said operators of the country’s toll road network are on alert to respond to any emergency direction that he may issue as minister, when it becomes necessary.

“Which means that if the storm or hurricane is creating panic and the highways are congested, I will give the direction to open the highway toll booths free of cost to commuters during the period of the storm,” he said.