MONTEGO BAY, St James — The Montego Bay Metro received a much-needed enhancement to its operations with the addition of 12 new buses to its fleet, a significant improvement for the State-owned company as it gears up for the upcoming school year.
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz visited the Bogue depot on Thursday, where he emphasized the importance of the new buses for western Jamaica. According to Vaz, the additional vehicles will expand the Metro’s capacity, enabling it to cover more routes and serve more schools in the region.
“This is going to make a huge impact as we approach the back-to-school period,” Minister Vaz stated to the press at the depot. “We’re upgrading from servicing five schools to nine, and from five routes to 11 across four parishes. This will greatly enhance our service.”
Currently, eight of the new buses have arrived at the depot, with four more expected by the weekend. These, combined with the six buses already in operation, will bring the fleet to a total of 18 buses. The Minister highlighted that all the new buses are air-conditioned, providing much-needed comfort for passengers, especially during the hot summer months.
“This marks a new beginning for Montego Bay and the surrounding areas,” Vaz added, expressing optimism about the improved service that the expanded fleet will offer.
The Minister also touched on the ongoing discussions about the possible privatization of Montego Bay Metro. While no final decision has been made, Vaz stressed the need to carefully weigh all options, considering the impact on public transportation costs and inflation.
“We have to be mindful that government-provided public transportation is typically cheaper than private options,” he explained. “It’s a critical factor in managing inflation, which affects food prices and overall cost of living. Protecting the vulnerable and less fortunate remains a priority in any decision we make.”
Looking ahead, Vaz mentioned that the government is also considering adding buses better suited for navigating Jamaica’s challenging terrains. “Future bus orders will include vehicles capable of handling rural routes. This approach ensures that all areas, not just urban centers, are adequately served,” he said.
He also highlighted that two of the 12 new buses are equipped to accommodate passengers with special needs, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in public transportation.
Montego Bay Metro General Manager Dr. Shauna Gaye Brown expressed her gratitude for the new buses, noting that only five to six buses were operational over the past two years, which fell short of the community’s needs.
“The public has been urgently requesting better service, and we’ve been advocating on their behalf. Receiving these 12 buses is a significant step forward,” Dr. Brown said. She also mentioned that new routes, including those to Savanna-la-Mar and Bethel Town, will be introduced with the additional buses.
With the expansion of the fleet, Montego Bay Metro is also looking to hire more staff, particularly drivers. Dr. Brown encouraged interested individuals to apply, signaling the company’s readiness to enhance its service with the new resources.
This development promises to deliver a more efficient and reliable public transportation service for the people of Montego Bay and the wider region as the new school year approaches.
