Fifty buses: five electric and 45 diesel are currently on their way to Jamaica to help ease the strain on the Jamaica Urban Transit Limited (JUTC).

“They left China on May 2 and should be here by the end of this month,” said Minister of Transport and Mining Audley Shaw.

“The public transport sector is a critical aspect of our economy and this government continues to work to reposition this sector to ensure reform and sustainability in spite of challenges faced by this and past administrations,” he said.

“The JUTC has been affected by an aging fleet and reduced bus numbers. While there are about 220 buses, the average daily bus run out right now is 163, which is unacceptable. This government remains committed to providing the necessary support to not only augment the fleet, but also to modernise its operations using a mix of energy sources including electric and natural gas units. So, as we speak, there are 50 buses: 45 diesel and five electric which are on the high seas right now,” he added.

Shaw was delivering his presentation in the 2023/24 Sectoral Debate, today (May 9).

“Additionally, 20 compressed natural gas-fueled units will be added to the fleet under a joint arrangement with private sector partners. These units are expected in late August to September. That will make 70 additional new buses and in addition, we tend to aggressively bring back those other 70 or so buses which have been out of operation but those, too, will be brought back. So, between the 220 that are here now and the 70 that are coming over the next few months, we will have next to 300 buses,” the minister said.

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