One taxi association is requesting a meeting with the government to discuss the expansion of Jamaica Urban Transit Company, (JUTC) routes, in rural communities.

Since last year, the JUTC has rolled out new routes in rural areas in parishes such as St. Thomas, Clarendon, St. Mary, St. Andrew and St. Catherine.

This has been met with backlash from public transport operators, who say this is impacting their livelihood.

Speaking to Irie Fm News on Monday, President of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS), Egeton Newman called on the government to consult with the taxi operators, so all parties can benefit from the expansion.

He noted that many public transport operators have invested in purchasing motor vehicles, only to be met with competition from the JUTC which has put buses on the routes.

He believes the routes can be shared properly between the JUTC and the public transport operators.