JUTC to resume transportation of CMU students to campus

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) will resume the transportation of Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) students to the campus.

Making the announcement at yesterday's sitting of the House of Representatives, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz, said the decision follows discussions with the JUTC amid safety concerns.

“I received a message from a user on social media regarding her sister, a student from Caribbean Maritime University within East Kingston. The number 98 bus that usually drops students on the school compound had, reportedly, stopped doing so, forcing students to walk long distances. This was a safety concern for students and in particular female staff and students,” he said.

Meanwhile, the minister said an arrangement is in place for staff and students to be taken to the campus in the mornings and picked up at 2:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m., daily.

“Additionally, we extend the support through cooperation with the JUTC drivers along the 98 Route to ensure that CMU students must be taken to the school compound once they are on the buses. I have been informed by the JUTC that there are five buses currently along the 98 route with one bus specifically assigned to the CMU,” Vaz noted.

Meanwhile, the transport minister said he will continue to champion the expansion of the JUTC into rural parishes.

“Of the 63 constituencies represented here, the JUTC primarily serves at best 20 or approximately 30 per cent,” he said.

Vaz added that reliable transportation is critical for ensuring that the nation's children can access education safely and efficiently.

- JIS News

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