Transport Minister Daryl Vaz is urging public transport operators to let good sense prevail as the government is set to meet with transport groups tomorrow, June 11, to address the concerns of the operators.

This call comes as some operators have moved to withdraw their services today, June 10, to register their frustration following a decision by the Transport Authority regarding the suspension of driver’s licenses for some public transport operators who have accumulated 10 demerit points.

Today’s strike action has been reported to have had a moderate impact on the public transport sector, with only 25 per cent of operators participating in the strike.

The affected areas include Lawrence Tavern, Stony Hill, Spanish Town, Downtown Kingston, and Half Way Tree. There have also been reports of blockages in Malvern, St Elizabeth. The withdrawal was mainly reported among taxi and coaster operators.

The operators threaten to continue the strike action until Friday, June 14.

“I want to believe that it is a communication situation. However, at this point, I will continue to watch through the day. Again, I’m calling for good order, – good sense to prevail. I have already given a commitment that the matters will be addressed tomorrow at a meeting and will be a part of the review of the Road Traffic Act, which ends at the end of June,” Vaz said.

The operators are calling for amendments to the demerit points system, particularly for offenses such as failure to wear seat belts and illegal parking. Other concerns, such as the affordability of fines for cell phone use have been raised.

Amid reports of planned attacks against the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) buses coupled with blocked roads, the Transport Minister has described the action as premature and unnecessary.

“I can only say once again that this action is premature and unnecessary, and I am making an appeal to all those drivers who are taking part, who are losing income and causing great inconvenience to the commutes, to get back on the job and allow the process to take its place,” he said.

“For those who are using it for political reasons, I ask you to desist, especially in relation to the roadblocks that have been mounted using trees, stones, and other things to interrupt the flow of ordinary law-abiding citizens. It is totally unnecessary, and I call on you to desist and allow the process of communication, collaboration, and consensus, which is how I operate, to continue, and we will get the desired results,” Vaz added.

The Transport Authority has since deployed teams across the affected areas to provide reassurance and assist with the transportation of students and other commuters.