Transport Authority ramps up electronic surveillance

THE TRANSPORT Authority is taking steps to utilise increased electronic surveillance systems to assist it in conducting monitoring and enforcement activities to clamp down on public passenger operators who violate the law.

Transport Authority Managing Director Ralston Smith says the regulatory body will also use the JamaicaEye infrastructure for gathering information and evidence to help foster a culture of compliance with the rule of law.

He told The Gleaner that even though the authority may not have the physical boots on the ground to cover all areas, the cameras would assist in gathering and transmitting information back to the authority’s command centre.

According to Smith, the authority will share information with law enforcement authorities empowered to take the necessary action based on the evidence.

At the same time, the Transport Authority is taking steps to establish a national public passenger register that would require all operators to be registered in a database.

Smith said it will be an offence not to be registered.

Using that database, Smith said the authority will be able to track and manage the performance of drivers and conductors who commit offences and infractions in the course of their operations.

“We are going to utilise the information to purge the sector so those undesirables and those who continue to breach the law, the authority will be in a position to revoke and suspend their road licences, and the Island Traffic Authority treat with the whole matter of the suspension and revocation of driver’s licences as the case may be,” he said.

The register, which holds the historical record of drivers, will allow for partnering in data-sharing with public passenger vehicle owners, insurance companies, and government entities.

The Jamaica Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure 2024-2025, which was tabled in Parliament earlier this month, states that the Transport Authority also plans to undertake a review and update of its policies and business processes to support improved operational efficiency.