Latest Stories
Transport Authority Decries Abuse of Commuter's Rights to Disembark Vehicle
The Transport Authority is decrying the blatant abuse of passenger rights as highlighted by a recent video circulated on social media and is warning offending operators that its operations teams will be exercising a zero tolerance approach to such incidents. The Authority uses this medium to express its deepest concern for the obvious distress suffered by the female passenger, whose rights, as a commuter were clearly infringed, since every passenger has a right to freely embark and disembark a motor vehicle at any convenient point. The Authority also publicly condemns the unsympathetic behaviour of the driver of the motor vehicle, who disregarded his responsibility to ensure that passengers are transported in a safe, secure and comfortable manner. Having become aware of the incident, the Authority commenced extensive efforts to contact the distressed passenger or other persons who may have witnessed the incident. A public plea was made on radio by the General Manager, Operations of the Transport Authority requesting that contact be made. Further, the Authority has intensified its monitoring and regulating of Public Passenger Vehicles, through the use of technology. As a part of this thrust, the Authority has added two applications to its monitoring system; WhatsApp and the Drive Safe Jamaica App, which are both fully functional and in use by the commuting public. Videos and pictures of infractions being committed by operators of Public Passenger Vehicles may be uploaded to the Transport Authority’s WhatsApp number, (876) 551-8196 or to the Drive Safe Jamaica App, which can be downloaded in Google Play Store. The Authority encourages the public to fully utilize these applications to report the various infractions that may be committed by PPV operators, so that the appropriate sanctions under the Transport Authority’s Suspension and Revocation Policy can be applied. Additionally, the Authority is encouraging members of the commuting public to choose only legal Public Passenger Vehicles as their mode of transportation.
MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION FOR 2024/2025 LICENSING PERIOD COMMENCES JANUARY 8
The Transport Authority’s 2024/25 Licencing Period commences this January with the pre-cursory motor vehicle examinations on Monday, January 8. All public passenger vehicle (PPV) licence holders are being encouraged to get their vehicles examined at the various Transport Authority locations islandwide. Effective February 1, the Authority will commence the acceptance of renewal applications for all categories of public passenger and commercial carriers. Customers are being encouraged to use the online portal at www.ta.org.jm to save time during the licencing process. Customers conducting transactions at the Authority’s Head Office, are being reminded that the Authority no longer accept cash payments at this location. Customers may also use any of the several payment facilities including Paymaster, Bill Express, National Commercial Bank (NCB), bank vouchers, debit and or credit cards at the office. Under sections 61 (1) and 78(1) respectively, it is illegal to operate a vehicle as public passenger or commercial carrier without the requisite Road Licence. Therefore, the Authority urges all operators of public passenger vehicles and commercial carriers to renew their road licences early and avoid prosecution come April 1, 2024. All queries regarding the road licence application process may be directed to the Transport Authority via its toll-free number at 1-888-991-5687 or 876- 926 -8912. -30-
APPROVED WRECKING FEES EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2, 2024
KINGSTON, JAMAICA: In an effort to curtail and manage the wrecking service operation across the island, the Transport Authority, the police and wrecker operators have established an agreement to take effect January 2, 2024. Managing Director of the Transport Authority, Mr. Ralston Smith says, “The agreement is designed to govern the conduct and behavior of wrecker operators, and to further manage the charge for the services they render.”He said an approved wrecker fee rates has been established and it must be adhered. The newly established wrecking fees are as follow: APPROVED WRECKER RATES Motor Car Motor Truck (Hiace & Coaster etc.) Category New Rate ($) New Rate ($) 5km Radius of Pound 12,000.00 22,500.00 Per Kilo over 5km radius 600.00 800.00 No Key Charge 4,500.00 6,000.00 Effective Date: January 2, 2024 Table: Showing newly approved wrecking fees as of January 2, 2024. Meanwhile, Mr. Smith added that the approval of a fee structure is part of the Authority's move to cauterize the exorbitant wrecking fees charged by the various service provider. -30-
Transport Authority Brought Glenhope Christmas Cheer
December 13, 2023: The Transport Authority which is the Government’s regulatory body for the operation of public transportation in Jamaica, as part of its corporate social responsibility programme, brought happy cheer to the children and staff at the Glenhope Nursery on Tuesday (December 12, 2023). It delivered diapers, baby formulas, body care products, gift baskets, shoes, clothes, various toys and staged a treat of music and food to the children’s delight. “This is the best day of my life!” exclaimed an 11-year-old ward, as he sought the assistance of one of the Transport Authority’s Officers in opening a packet of toy which contained a stethoscope. “I want to become a doctor,” he gleefully continued expressing appreciation for the festivities. The Transport Authority’s staff and stakeholders in attendance at the treat were busy throughout the afternoon packaging meals, feeding the babies and feting the children with special needs. Among the formalities were the cutting of a Christmas cake and greetings from the management of the Transport Authority. “Our Managing Director and Senior Managers send their love and well wishes to you all,” Ms. Merdina Callum, Acting Manager, Corporate Communications stated. “We did not just purchase items and take here but we did inquiries as to what was needed and we are here to supply, the bible says, your needs… we are grateful to our staff who are here and some who are not here who would have contributed toys to ensure you will have a very merry Christmas, and that you won’t be short of toys during the coming days,” Ms. Callum continued. “The Transport Authority’s contribution to the Glenhope over the years has been invaluable. We are truly grateful for all that you do and continue to do for us. The children are extremely delighted and happy for today, especially with the amount of toys which can last them for months to come. I know that we are not your only project but we just want you to know how thankful we are,” remarked Ms. Tensi Mackie on behalf of her institution. The Transport Authority takes serious its corporate social responsibility by giving back to society and especially to the children in whom the future of this country lies. It does so annually through its visit to the Glenhope Nursery at Christmas, and by supporting school feeding and mentorship programmes at a number of primary schools across Jamaica. The Children’s Treat at Glenhope was also supported by members of the All-Island United Route Taxi Association, and with contributions from stakeholders such as the local clothing company – Zara Fashion, the TA’s Inspectorate body, various categories of Transport Authority staff and Management. {{ "News/Glenhope1.jpg" | asset_url | img_tag }}Ms. Merdina Callum, Acting Corporate Communications Manager (centre) at the Transport Authority making a presentation of gifts and care products to Mrs. Yvonne Grant (r), Care Supervisor at the Glenhope Nursery while Ms Sonja Simms (r), Corporate Communication Officer at the Transport Authority looks on. {{ "News/Glenhope2.jpg" | asset_url | img_tag }}Monique Campbell (l) and Malory Ellis (r) plays with a child at the Glenhope Nursery during the Transport Authority’s Annual Christmas Treat at the home on Tuesday (December 12, 2023). {{ "News/Glenhope3.jpg" | asset_url | img_tag }}Mr. Clive Reid, Justice of the Peace making a gift presentation to one of the carers at the Glenhope Nursery at the Transport Authority’s Annual Christmas Treat at the home on Tuesday (December 12, 2023). {{ "News/Glenhope4.jpg" | asset_url | img_tag }}Niome Brown of the Transport Authority is surrounded by children at the Glenhope Nursery as she helps to distribute toys at the Transport Authority’s Annual Christmas Treat at the home on Tuesday (December 12, 2023)-30-
