Five arrested for fake transport badges

The Transport Authority (TA) says a number of fraudulent badges have been uncovered arising from intensified road operations.

So far, five operators have been arrested and charged while two are being interrogated. Managing director of the TA, Ralston Smith, said that the authority will continue to take swift and decisive action against the perpetrators of this crime, in order to curtail this activity and avoid any possible threat to the safety of the commuting public. Smith stressed that the authority has the technology to detect whether a badge is authentic.

Under sections 124, 126, and 127 of the Road Traffic Regulations and Section 22 of the Road Traffic (Taxis and Contract Cars) Regulation, the wearing of driver/conductor badges is a prerequisite for operating public passenger vehicles. The authority reminded members of the public that badges to operate in the sector can only be obtained by applying to the TA, completing the training and practising a clean record.

The authority asked commuters to report suspicious incidents or infractions by calling toll free 1-888-991-5687 or 876 926-8912; or WhatsApp images or videos to 876-551-8196 or 876-279-8515. All complaints 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 to submit complaints.