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.
|