The Transport Ministry says it is categorically rejecting a claim by the opposition, that the Jamaica Urban Transit Company JUTC has abandoned 23 routes in the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region KMTR , in breach of its exclusive licence.

In a statement today, the Ministry clarifies that the JUTC has not withdrawn from any of the 23 routes and operations on those routes continue.

The Transport Ministry says to improve service reliability and  better align with commuter demand, the JUTC is implementing a more predictable and realistic scheduling system.

To supplement JUTC services—particularly during off-peak hours—the company has, based on recommendations from the Transport Authority, issued “no objection” confirmations permitting a limited number of route taxis to operate along these routes.

According to the ministry, this arrangement is not new, and does not represent a breach of JUTC’s exclusive license or a divestment of its responsibilities.

It says instead, it is designed to provide greater flexibility for commuters, ensuring they have access to safe and efficient transport options.

The ministry points to three taxi associations which have been operating on these routes for sometime, complementing the formal public transport system .

The statement notes that , in line with efforts to bring greater structure to the sector, the ministry supports the Transport Authority’s initiative to formalize long-standing informal operators. 

Hackney Carriage drivers along the 23 corridors are being encouraged to transition into legally recognized route taxi operators. This approach aims to strengthen regulatory compliance, reduce disorder, and ensure fare equity across the system.

According to the Ministry, to characterize this inclusive strategy as a dismantling of the JUTC is both inaccurate and  misleading. 

It says it  disregards the meaningful progress being made to modernize Jamaica’s public transport system and undermines a balanced, commuter-focused policy that integrates responsible private-sector participation.

The Transport Ministry says it remains committed to delivering a safe, efficient, and affordable public transport system within the KMTR.