MINISTER PICKERSGILL LAUNCHES NEW TRANSPORT SERVICES

Minister Pickersgill addressing the launch of the Jamaica Transport Services. Next to him is Mr. Alric Campbell, one of the Directors of JTS.

The Jamaican transport landscape has a new entrant as the Jamaica Transport Services was launched on Thursday, October 27, 2005.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Robert Pickersgill commended the Jamaica Transport Services (JTS) for taking such a bold step in establishing the service. ‘ I have also noted that you have deliberately set out to carve out a niche for your company in the area of contracted operations … it is in this regard that I commend the stated commitment of Jamaica Transport Services to develop a ‘Best in Class’ service in all its operations’, the Minister said.

The Minister noted that the Transport Service had three main areas on which it was focusing – these being (a) the link between the transportation of goods and the involvement of entrepreneurs (b) the concentration of energies on a particular niche and (c) the provision of a ‘best in class’ service to customers.

In continuing his presentation, Minister Pickersgill underscored the point that the transport sector provided opportunities for many individuals and companies to get involved and make a decent living while contributing to the growth and prosperity of the country. Against this background, the Minister highlighted the Government’s role in putting in place a modern bus system to serve the needs in the Kingston Metropolitan Area (KMTR).

Over $6B has been spent to provide that service in the KMTR. This included the setting up of the JUTC, setting up Bus Depot, training programmes for drivers and conductors as well as the Swipe Card system among other things.

Another initiative of the Government which has been implemented to improve the transport service relates to the new motor vehicle policy which allows for players in the sector to upgrade their fleet.

The motor vehicle policy has resulted un the transformation of the taxi service into one with mostly later model vehicles, better communications technologies (emanating from the telecommunications policy) and legislative amendments. The latter as a result of the introduction of amendments to the Road Traffic and Transport Authority Acts.

Mention was also made about the efforts that are being pursued in relation to repairs of roadways particularly subsequent to the various hurricanes and floodings that have affected these roadways. In this respect, the Minister explained that work has started on repairs in several areas and that programmes are being put in place to effect the necessary repairs on as timely a basis as possible.

He cautioned the JTS operators to use the roads as carefully as possible and in consideration of other road users, noting that clients will be very appreciative of such treatment.
For his part, Executive Chairman Ricardo James said that he was happy to be a part of a world class, unparalleled operation such as Jamaica Transport Service. He explained that the JTS provided service for entities such as Jamaica Energy Partners, Jamaica Football Federation, National Youth Service, Jamaica Cultural Development Corporation and Guardian Life, among others. He also mentioned that the JTS will be adding a courier service and modern communication tracking systems to its operations.

Other persons at the launch were, Snr. Supt. Ealan Powell of the Police Traffic Department, Mrs. Dian Watson, Actg. General Manager, Transport Authority and members of the JTS Executive.