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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.
TRANSPORT AUTHORITY WARNS PUBLIC PASSENGER VEHICLE OPERATORS TO DISCONTINUE THE PRACTICE OF OVERCHARGING OF FARES
Kingston, Jamaica- April 15, 2025: The Transport Authority says it has been brought to its attention that some Public Passenger Vehicle (PPV) Operators have increased their fares and/or are overcharging passengers who use their services across the island. The Authority wishes to advise the public that there has been no authorised fare increase at this time and is warning operators involved in this practice to desist immediately. Managing Director of the Transport Authority, Mr. Ralston Smith is reminding PPV Operators that charging commuters more than the approved fare is illegal, and is warning that the Authority will step up enforcement against this practice. He is cautioning that Operators found guilty of this offence will be prosecuted under regulation 129 (d) of the Road Traffic Regulations and may be fined up to $100,000.00 under section 107(3) of the Road Traffic Act, if convicted for the offence. The Authority is urging commuters who experience acts of overcharging to call 876 618-0859 or WhatsApp images or videos to 876-551-8196 or 876 279-8515. Complaints about overcharging should include the licence plate numbers, the routes for the vehicles or the location of the incident. Commuters may also download the Drive Safe Jamaica and Travel Pal apps from the Google Play or App stores and submit images, videos or complaints on these portals. In the meantime, the commuting public is reminded that one of the dangers of using unlicenced public passenger vehicles and Hackney Carriages operating as route taxis, is that operators often charge exorbitant/unapproved fares. The Authority is therefore urging the commuting public to use licenced public transport vehicles which display red public passenger vehicle plates and the light blue Transport Authority sticker on the windshield with expiration dates of 2026 and beyond. -30- Contact: Corporate Communications Department Tel: (876) 618-0859/277-9671
TRANSPORT AUTHORITY’S 2025/2026 LICENSING PERIOD COMMENCES SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2025
Kingston, Jamaica- January 29, 2025: Effective Saturday, February 1, 2025, the Transport Authority will commence acceptance of new and renewal applications for all categories of public passenger vehicles and commercial carriers licences through its Online portal at www.ta.org.jm. The Authority says the February 1, 2025 start of the Licensing Period is to facilitate the timely submission and processing of PPV licences and commercial carriers applications, which expire on March 31, 2025. It further states that the online facility is designed to accommodate renewals made for the following categories of Public Passenger Vehicle Licences and Commercial Carriers: · New and Renewal Contract Carriage, Stage Carriage, Express Carriage · Renewal Hackney Carriages; and · New and Renewal Private and Public Commercial Carriers The Authority adds that Route Taxi license applications are processed through the respective Taxi Associations, whose application process will also be open online February 1. It made it clear that the platform is not open for the submission of applications for new Rural Stage and new Hackney Carriages licenses. To complement the early application process, the Authority has been facilitating motor vehicle examinations for public transportation since January 6, 2025. In the meantime, the Transport Authority is reminding customers that it does not accept cash payments at its locations. Customers may use any of several payment facilities including VISA debit and or Credit cards, Paymaster, Bill Express, and bank transfers. The Authority is also advising that Online Kiosks have been installed at its office locations for Customers who are unable to access the Online Portal and that they will be assisted by customer service agents. The Authority urges all licensees to renew their road licences before March 31 and avoid the late fee penalty. -30- Contact: Corporate Communications Tel: 876-618-0859 Cell: 876-277-9671 / 876-275-5919
TRANSPORT AUTHORITY COMMENCES MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINATIONS JANUARY 6 FOR THE 2025/26 LICENCING PERIOD
Kingston, Jamaica-JANUARY 2, 2025: Effective Monday, January 6, 2025, the Transport Authority will commence motor vehicle examinations in preparation for the renewal of road licences which expire March 31, 2025. The examinations is to facilitate the timely submission of road licence applications at the start of the 2025/26 Road Licencing Period on February 3, 2025. The early commencement of motor vehicle examination, on January 6, is part of the Authority’s thrust to provide convenient and efficient service to customers. Meanwhile, the Authority is encouraging customers to take advantage of the online application process using their VISA debit or credit cards and to use the delivery service in order to avoid congestion at the offices. The Transport Authority is also pleased to inform and remind customers that: There will be no increase in Licencing fees at this time. PPV operators and applicants must meet the approved Transport Authority standards and requirements in order to receive a road license. (These include colour coding, exterior markings and current motor vehicle documents.) Failure to complete the renewal/reapplication process by March 31, 2025 means that their road licenses would become invalid as of April 1, 2025 and will attract a late fee. · All its offices are now cashless facilities and those customers who opt to transact business in office, can use debit and or credit cards, bank transfer or may pay for services at Paymaster and Bill Express. For further details, please contact the Authority toll free at 888-991-5687, customer care 876-618-0959, WhatsApp 876-551-8176 or visit the website at www.ta.org.jm. -30-
