Durrant Pate/Contributor

JUTC smartcard holders are in for a treat come April 1, when the public bus company rolls out its completely cashless system for the proposed reduction in bus fares come April 1.

Only commuters who pay their fares using a smartcard will benefit from this 50 per cent fare reduction. The portfolio Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport is now preparing a Cabinet note for the application of the proposed 50 per cent reduction to the completely cashless system.

The JUTC reduced bus fares on January 1 this year from J$100 to J$70 for adults, J$30 to J$25 for children and for pensioners from J$40 to J$30, with a further reduction in fares come April 1 from J$70 to J$50 for adults. The fares for children will be further reduced from J$25 to J$20 and pensioners’ rates from J$30 to J$25.

Three free rides coming

In addition to these reduced fares, the JUTC will also be offering three free rides, which will apply to both current and new smart cardholders. Persons, who do not use a smartcard will not benefit from the 50 per cent reduction.

Therefore, commuters are encouraged to obtain smartcards to benefit from the reduction in fares and extended benefits. Portfolio minister Daryl Vaz, who made the disclosure in a statement to Parliament, highlighted that the use of smartcards will ultimately aid both efficiency and security on the buses.

At present, the current fare collection system uses a limited cashless component but Vaz trumpeted that “this system is to be replaced by a comprehensive cashless system, which will provide the requisite efficiency and revenue protection to cover the entire service and guard against the difficulties posed by cash transactions, delays and pilferage. The throughput of passengers will be significantly impacted by this move.

New tender for Electronic Fare Collection System

Commuters are being encouraged to ensure that they obtain smartcards to benefit from the reduction in fares and extended benefits. Vaz told the Parliament that the JUTC will be going back to tender for an Electronic Fare Collection System system shortly.

The use of smartcards will ultimately aid both efficiency and security on the buses. The current fare collection system uses a limited cashless component. However, this system is to be replaced by a comprehensive cashless system, which will provide the requisite efficiency and revenue protection to cover the entire service and guard against the difficulties posed by cash transactions delays and pilferage.