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.
TRANSPORT AUTHORITY STARTS 2026/2027 LICENSING PERIOD ON SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2026
KINGSTON, JAMAICA - JANUARY 29, 2026: Effective Sunday, February 1, 2026 the Transport Authority will begin accepting applications for all categories of Public Passenger Vehicles (PPV) and Commercial Carriers for the 2026–2027 Licensing Period.The Authority says that the February 1 start date is designed to allow for the timely submission and processing of road licences that are set to expire on March 31, 2026. Customers are encouraged to utilize the Authority’s online platform at www.ta.org.jm, available 24 hours daily, for application submissions.Managing Director Ralston Smith says that, as part of the Authority’s commitment to improving efficiency and service delivery, this year the licence stickers will NO LONGER be issued. Instead, once an application is submitted, the road licence document will be emailed to customers within seven (7) working days for regular service, and 1 to 3 working days for express service.The online portal supports applications for the following categories:• New and renewal Contract Carriage • New and renewal Express Carriage • Renewals Hackney Carriage • New and renewal of Private and Public Commercial Carriers Notably, Route Taxi licence applications will continue to be processed through the respective Taxi Associations.Additionally, Smith says the Authority is rolling out the Vehicle Examination Module (VEM) of its Licensing platform, which allows for electronic examination of motor vehicles with picture of vehicles instantly uploaded to the system and a copy emailed to customers. This ensures a seamless integration between inspection and licence processing. The Authority has been facilitating motor vehicle examinations for public transportation operators since January 12, 2026, as part of this early application initiative.In the meantime, the Authority has installed online kiosks at its offices to support customers who are unable to access the online portal. These kiosks will be supported by customer service agents to guide users through the online process.The Transport Authority is encouraging all customers to “take the digital journey” by applying online, as the process is more convenient and eliminates the need to wait in long office lines. Licensees are also urged to renew their road licences before March 31 to avoid late fees and penalties.-30- Contact:Corporate Communications and Customer Service Transport Authority876-926-8912/876-275-5919
STATEMENT: Transport Authority Responds to Incident Involving Employee
The Transport Authority is aware of a video currently circulating on social media depicting an employee drawing a firearm during a road operation. An internal investigation into the matter has been immediately initiated. The Authority wishes to unequivocally state that this type of conduct does not form any part of its training protocols and is not aligned with its Standard Operating Procedures or Public Interaction Policy. As part of the ongoing investigation, the officer involved has been removed from frontline duties with immediate effect. The Transport Authority is also working closely with the relevant authorities, including the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Firearm Licensing Authority, to ensure a comprehensive review of the incident. The Transport Authority continues to uphold the principles of courtesy, professionalism, good customer service, and respect for all Jamaicans, and expects all employees to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with these values. The Transport Authority assures the public that it remains committed to ensuring efficient, safe, and reliable public transportation services. -30- Contact: Corporate Communications Department Tel: 876-926-8912
TRANSPORT AUTHORITY COMMENCES MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINATIONS JANUARY 12 FOR 2026/27 LICENCING PERIOD
KINGSTON, JAMAICA – JANUARY 9, 2026: Effective Monday, January 12, 2026, the Transport Authority will commence motor vehicle examinations in preparation for the renewal of road licences which expire March 31, 2026. The examinations are to facilitate the timely submission of road licence applications at the start of the 2026/27 Road Licencing Period on February 1, 2026. The early commencement of motor vehicle examination, on January 12, is part of the Authority’s push to provide convenient and efficient service to its customers. Meanwhile, Managing Director of the Transport Authority, Mr. Ralston Smith, is encouraging customers to take advantage of the easy and convenient online licencing application process, where bank transfers and or VISA debit or credit cards can be used to facilitate payments. Mr. Smith is also reminding PPV Operators and new applicants that they must meet the approved Transport Authority standards and requirements in order to receive a road licence. These standards include colour coding, exterior markings and updated motor vehicle documents accessible from the Island Traffic Authority and Tax Administration Jamaica Portals. Mr. Smith urges all PPV operators to get inline early and complete the licence application process and avoid the possibility of prosecution for non-renewal of road licence. {{ "Launch of Licensing Period - May Pen - mv inspection.jpg" | asset_url | img_tag }}Caption: File photo of a motor vehicle inspection in May Pen, Clarendon at the launch of a previous licensing period. Application after March 31, will attract a late fee. For further details, please contact the Authority toll free at 888-991-5687, customer care 876-618-0959, WhatsApp 876-551-8196 or visit the website at www.ta.org.jm. -30-Contact:Corporate CommunicationsTransport Authority876-926-8912 / 876-275-5919
