KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on Transport, Mikael Phillips has asserted that the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is in the worse state it has been since it started operations nearly 30 years ago, citing that the state-run bus company has chalked up losses of over $100 billion in 10 years.

Phillips made the assertion in the House of Representatives on Wednesday during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate.

“For a decade now, the JUTC has been languishing in the hospital’s accident and emergency department, left on a bench without even a bed,” said Phillips.

“They have called on a carpenter to examine the patient, when what is truly required is oxygen and a skilled physician to diagnose the ailment and prescribe a cure,” he added.

According to Phillips, the JUTC is currently in its most pathetic state since its birth in 1998.

He told the House that the financial wreckage is undeniable: “the JUTC has incurred cumulative losses of more than $100 billion over the last decade, a direct consequence of this Administration’s apathy that has left the company in this pathetic state”.

Furthermore, Phillips said the JUTC is projected to lose another $14.8 billion this financial year.