Don't spoil JUTC

THE EDITOR, Sir:

From the passenger seat, it is clear that the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is working assiduously towards achieving its mission of providing a 'customer-oriented, safe, reliable, modern and cost-effective transportation service'. Boarding a bus by the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre is far more civil than in the former days when it appeared as if the system was set up to create wild animals out of decent Jamaicans.

In the past two months, most of the government-run buses that I have taken were clean and air-conditioned. The route number and final destination were often on display. The drivers were quite personable, professionally attired and operated the state-run buses with great dexterity. More than anything else, it is very pleasing to highlight that they actually conformed to the designated speed limit! Overall, travelling on JUTC buses within the Kingston Metropolitan Region has been quite comfortable.

In recent days, my experience was negated by noise generated from music played at unacceptably high volumes. I do not believe that passengers should be subjected to that type of noise, regardless of whether it is gospel or reggae being offered. The noise is even worse if you are the passenger seated directly under one of the built-in speakers.

There are other good aspects of the service, such as being able to access bus timetables online and, so far, being able to actually board a bus on time or a few minutes after the expected arrival time. However, I think that operations could get out of control if taken for granted. It would be in the interest of the JUTC management to keep a keener eye on what the public is experiencing.

Key players should not allow seemingly minor complaints to escalate; do not spoil a good thing. Nip it in the bud.

I am, etc.,

SAUNA MARAGH

smaragh@cwjamaica.com