Commuters who use the Jamaica Urban Transit Company's (JUTC) Premium and Express services will be required to pay more as of next Wednesday, April 1.

In a JIS release, corporate communications manager at JUTC, Reginald Allen, said passengers who pay $60, $80 or $100 to utilise the bus services will now pay an additional $20; routes that previously cost $120 will go to $150 while some routes will be increased from $170 to $250.

Operating costs

Regular JUTC bus fares will not be affected. Allen explained that the new fares reflect increased operating costs. However, other fares, such as that those charged for the regular service which are set based on other social considerations, will not be affected.

Express routes to destinations such as Half-Way Tree, Spanish Town, Greater Portmore, Papine, Cross Roads, Harbour View, Constant Spring and City and Premium routes to locations, such as Longville Park, are among those to experience the increases.

"The Express and Premium bus service is entirely operated on a market-driven basis and are not subject to the act which governs the JUTC, in its core function, to serve the general basic community needs of the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region," Allen said.

SOURCE: http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20090330/news/news2.html