Bus strike leaves hundreds of commuters stranded

Shanique Samuels, Gleaner Writer

Bus operators who ply the May Pen, Clarendon to Kingston route withdrew their services this morning as they protested what they said was unfair treatment by the police and injury to one of their colleagues.

Withdrawal of the service left hundreds of commuters stranded in May Pen as well as  Old Harbour, St Catherine. 

The operators say they are constantly targeted by the police who treat them like criminals. 

Bus operator Kevin Clarke's right arm was broken during an altercation with the police in May Pen last Thursday. He was then ticketed for a traffic offence.  

Clarke said he was then taken to the May Pen police station with the injury and locked up for almost eight hours before he received medical attention.

Clarke says he's traumatised by the situation and that the broken hand caused him severe pain.

Board member of the Transport Authority, Joel Williams, who was on the scene this morning sought to quell tempers and informed the operators that Transport Minister Mike Henry has been made aware of the situation.