DESPITE early technical challenges, the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) has declared that the roll-out of the Electronic Motor Vehicle Certificate of Fitness (e-Fitness) system has been progressing smoothly with motorists to see even greater benefits in 2026.

Director general of road traffic at the ITA Colonel (ret’d) Daniel Pryce told the Jamaica Observer that the e-fitness system, which officially came into effect on July 21, has largely met expectations, improving service while eliminating the many frustrations that existed with the physical mode of operations.

“It has performed very well. There have been some issues that we have had, but we have always been responsive to our customers, and there are no unresolved issues to date. It has improved the service quality to our customers, less wait time, and then there is the elimination of the papers,” said Pryce in an interview
on Tuesday.

The digital certificate of fitness was introduced as part of a wider push by the Government to modernise transport services with revisions to the Road Traffic Amendment Act 2025.

Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz, who announced the introduction of the e-Fitness system during the opening ceremony of the Jamaica Auto Show on May 10, said it would allow certificates to be issued electronically, eliminating the need for physical documents, such as the motor vehicle registration certificate (MVRC) decal stickers, printed motor vehicle registrations, and fitness certificates.

He explained that motorists would receive notifications via e-mail and be directed to a secure online portal where they can access the summary details or download a PDF version of their registration and fitness documents.

“This digital shift brings tangible value. It reduces the Government’s reliance on costly certification papers embedded with physical security features and the production of decals, generating substantial savings. For citizens, it means enhanced convenience,” Vaz explained at the time.

On Tuesday, Pryce told the Observer that one of the most immediate benefits has been the reduced congestion at service centres, particularly for certification appointments.

“It’s a case of less wait time at the service hubs for our customers, and so that is a big win for our customers and then there is the elimination of the papers. So that is a win as well. I believe that this was a successful implementation, and we are reaping the benefits of your efforts,” said Pryce.

He acknowledged that the initial roll-out was not without teething pains and argued that minor technical “bugs” surfaced following implementation of the system.

Pryce was adamant that the initial glitches were system-related issues rather than problems caused by users, and all have been addressed.

“Once you implement a new ICT [information and communication technology] system, there will be little bugs, and so we have some of those, and we will work them through. So that is a win as well. It’s not an issue with the people, but it’s an issue with the system, the ICT system that runs the e-certificate of fitness,” he said.

With the initial phase now stabilised, Pryce said that the focus will remain on refining the system, responding to customer needs and ensuring that the digital platform continues to support safer, more efficient road use.