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.
PPV OPERATORS AWAITING TRAINING FOR PPV BADGES TO CONTACT THE TRANSPORT AUTHORITY TO COMPLETE PROCESS
Kingston, Jamaica: The Transport Authority is inviting Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) Operators who have made application for their PPV badges and who are yet to complete training, to immediately make contact with the Authority. Managing Director of the Transport Authority, Mr. Ralston Smith is urging untrained operators to contact the Authority’s offices to verify their credentials so that they can access the platform, complete their training and receive the approval to operate PPV. Smith says that the non- wearing of PPV Badges is an offence under section 124, 126, and 127 of the Road Traffic Regulations and section 22 of the Road Traffic (Taxis and Contract Cars) Regulation and PPV operators who fail to produce the PPV Badge may be prosecuted. He also underscored the need for commuters to check for the badge as this is an indication that a PPV Operator has passed the fit and proper tests conducted by the Authority. The PPV Driver Training programme is delivered on a zero-rated, web-based application designed by Edufocal and part sponsored by the British Caribbean Insurance Company (BCIC) and includes courses on the Legislation, Customer Service and Defensive Driving. -30- Contact: Corporate Communication and Customer ServiceTransport AuthorityTelephone: 876-926-8912
PPV OPERATORS AND COMMERCIAL CARRIER LICENCEES ENCOURAGED TO RENEW LICENCES NOW TO AVOID LATE FEES
Kingston, Jamaica: The Transport Authority (TA) is reminding all PPV Operators and Commercial Carrier Licencees to make use of this remaining two weeks window to renew their road licenses to avoid late fee payments come April 1.Transport Authority’s Managing Director, Mr. Ralston Smith says applicants may use its recently launched online platform to submit their applications using a visa debit or credit card and have their road licences emailed to them. Customers may also visit any TA’s office location island wide to renew their licences. {{ "News/20191010_IMG_0225_med.jpg" | asset_url | img_tag }}Customers who conduct transactions at its office locations, must make payment with their visa debit and credit cards or via Paymaster and Bill Express, as the Authority is a cashless entity.In the meantime, Smith is urging operators to renew now and avoid possible prosecution under Sections 61 and 78 of the Road Traffic Act.-30- Contact:Corporate Communication and Customer ServiceTransort AuthorityTelephone: 876-926-8912
Transport Authority Opens Application for New Hackney Carriage Licences
Kingston, Jamaica – February 23, 2024: The Transport Authority says with immediate effect, it is accepting applications for new Hackney Carriage Licenses. Mr. Smith, Managing Director says this move is in response to demand for more seats in the market. The window for submission of applications will remain open until April 30, 2024. The application fee for Hackney Carriage License remains at $15,000.00 per application and applicants are being encouraged to use the On-line application portal at www.ta.org.jm. In the meantime, the Authority is urging illegal operators to become compliant with the law and ensure they legalize their services in order to avoid prosecution. Applicants are also being cautioned to conduct business directly with the Transport Authority and refrain from transacting business with individuals purporting to be agents of the Authority. -30- Contact: Corporate Communication and Customer Service Transport Authority Telephone: 876-926-8912
