Transport Authority gets new vehicles; aims to improve efficiency
BOARD chairman of the Transport Authority (TA) Owen Ellington says he is aiming to acquire even more vehicles to improve operational efficiency on the roads.
“My intention is to acquire more vehicles and we are in discussions about it. We are doing an assessment of mobility requirements at all our regional offices and we will continue to infuse cars into the system until all the offices have adequate cars to move their staff around and get the work done,” Ellington told the Jamaica Observer.
At the handover ceremony on Thursday at the TA’S headquarters in St Andrew, 12 new cars were presented and it was announced that 53 recruits, who were in attendance, will be joining the authority’s team of inspectors to help address road challenges.
Senior driver Dudley Edwards expressed gratitude for the new vehicles, noting that some of the challenges faced in getting their work done was due to vehicle shortage.
“I feel very pleased and pleasant with this because a lot of times we struggle with the vehicles and we have to rush, so it will allow us to work with ease and comfort,” he said.
Ellington said improving public presence on the road is essential for reaching the TA’S goals, and expressed confidence that these measures will boost operational efficiency and contribute to safer roads for commuters.
“We need mobility, we need to be able to get around, get to all areas where our services are required and we cannot do it by foot nor can we depend on public transport to do it.
“The general idea is to increase our presence on the roads. We have enough people in offices dealing with the back of the house activities like the licensing renewal but we need more people on the front line to provide guidance and support for the commuting public and also to enforce the road traffic regulations and the Transport Authority regulations amongst operators in the public transport system,” Ellington explained.
Managing director of the TA Ralston Smith, whilst celebrating the addition of new vehicles, urged drivers and inspectors to take care of them.
He announced during the ceremony that in the coming months the TA will introduce an e-ticketing system and enhance radio communication for inspectors. He said these upgrades are part of plans to reorganise the operations of the authority.
“These vehicles will help us to maintain high visibility in the town centres, the cities and of course, various hot spots across the country. We will use them not just for operational activities but also for commuter engagement, sharing information and of course, gathering intelligence,” Smith said.