JUTC does support the disabled community

IN RESPONSE to Keisha Syblis, a disabled commuter, who argues that the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) ought to make special arrangements to increase the seating capacity for members of the disabled community and improve customer service, we make the following points:

The JUTC transports approximately 1,000 disabled commuters weekly. We provide a specialised service for members of the community with buses that have wheelchair capacity on three routes, namely, 101 – Portmore to Constant Spring; 102 – Harbour View to August Town via Half-Way Tree; and 103 – Spanish Town to downtown via Half-Way Tree. The three buses earn a combined total of $6,000 per day, while costing the company in excess of $100,000 daily. The service operates from all locations and provides transfer opportunity at the HalfWay-Tree Transport Centre.

PRIORITY SEATS

Our regular buses are not strictly designed for members of the disabled community. However, there are priority seats for such persons at the front of the buses. One of the challenges we face is that when a bus that’s full leaves the Transport Centre, for example, and picks up a disabled commuter along the way, persons who are seated in the ‘priority seats’ do not wish to get up, because they’ve paid their fares. Sometimes a driver may ask for a seat but cannot compel someone to possess decency and civility.

The JUTC does cater for, and has a strong working relationship with, the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities. Only last week (November 20, 2018), we met at the Genesis Academy, engaging with over 30 parents and teachers about the challenges regarding bus schedules, access and the delivery of service. We’ve agreed on several measures, some of which will require other interventions, but will be implemented shortly. That includes the provision of personal assistance on buses and at the Transport Centre to assist children and increased sensitisation and training of staff.

As a state-run bus company, we strive to be inclusive. We do not always get it right, but we are committed to fulfilling our mandate despite the myriad challenges. We use this opportunity to appeal to our able-bodied commuters to be kind and courteous in offering their seats to pregnant women, the blind, and the physically challenged. After all, it is the decent and civilised thing to do.

CECIL THOMS Corporate Communications Manager