Jerome Reynolds, Staff Reporter

KINGSTON, Jamaica:
The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is urging commuters to exercise patience as the bus company rolls out its SMARTER Card system.

JUTC Managing Director, Colin Campbell says the company’s offices have been bombarded by persons seeking to obtain the cards.

Starting today, students, the disabled and the elderly must have a SMARTER Card to benefit from concessionary fares.

Students and the disabled are charged $30, while the elderly are charged $40.

However, those who do not have a SMARTER Card will have to pay the adult fare of $120.

Campbell says despite the large crowds, the bus company has put systems in place to ensure that commuters receive their smarter cards in a timely manner.

The first issuance of a smarter card is free but it will cost $250 for a replacement.

Meanwhile, the JUTC Managing Director says this morning the bus company rolled out a total of 450 buses across its network.

Campbell further says the bus company has published its bus schedule which it hopes will reduce delays.

He says due to the expansion of the JUTC’s fleet, the bus company this morning introduced a free shuttle service for students in Clarendon.

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