Jamaica’s public transportation network is undergoing a major transformation as the government moves to extend the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) beyond its traditional routes. This initiative aims to provide structured and affordable transportation to rapidly growing communities and underserved rural areas, responding to the country’s increasing demand for efficient mobility solutions.
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz outlined the expansion plans, which initially took effect in November 2024 with the introduction of new routes in St. Catherine. These routes were designed to serve housing developments such as Silver Sun Estate, Phoenix Park Village 1 and 2, and Old Harbour, where commuter numbers have surged in recent months.
The extension of JUTC services is set to reshape Jamaica’s public transport landscape, introducing buses to new locations without displacing existing private operators. “This is not about competition; it’s about ensuring that Jamaicans, regardless of where they live, have access to safe and reliable transportation,” Vaz stated.
JUTC’s next phase includes the rollout of premium routes connecting Catherine Estates, Mandeville to May Pen, and Montego Bay to Lucea and Negril. These additions, operating out of the Montego Bay Depot, align with the government’s broader infrastructure strategy, which includes major road network upgrades to improve connectivity.
Since the launch of these new services, JUTC has recorded an impressive 115,742 passengers, with daily ridership averaging over 2,500 commuters across 14 routes. Some of the busiest corridors include Old Harbour to May Pen, Yallahs to Kingston, and Morant Bay to Kingston, reinforcing the demand for structured public transportation.
By expanding its footprint, JUTC is poised to play a crucial role in shaping Jamaica’s future transit system, ensuring that reliable transport options keep pace with the country’s evolving urban landscape.
