JATOO awaiting response from JUTC on new terms for sub-franchise operators

The Jamaica Association of Transport Owners and Operators (JATOO) says it is awaiting a response from the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) on its objection to new terms for sub-franchise operators.

JATOO President Louis Barton says while the operators are happy that they will remain in the system, the new terms will negatively affect them.

Barton says operators are opposed to some of the new routes which they have been given.

According to him, the new routes are not economically viable.

Barton says of concern is route number one, which runs from Hellshire to Half-Way Tree, which he says carries high overheads and little returns.

The JATOO president says operators want to see a cut in the sub-franchise fees.

Meanwhile, Barton says while there has been no enforcement of the new rules regarding terminals and days of operation, operators want these issues settled urgently.

The JUTC has reportedly told the operators that they can only operate for five days.

The operators have also been told they will be moved from the terminal in the vicinity of York Plaza in Half-Way Tree to a new facility on South Odeon Avenue, also in Half-Way Tree.

The JATOO president says operators are not in agreement with these terms.