JUTC passengers upset over new card system
Passengers of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) are expressing frustration over a recent update to the bus card system that no longer displays remaining balances after fare payments.
Commuters say the change undermines the convenience the cards are supposed to offer, leaving them uncertain about how much credit they have and increasing the risk of being stranded.
"When we pay fare, it don't give we back the balance. The old card used to show we, so we know when we are running low and need to top up," one passenger explained while waiting at the downtown bus terminal. Many commuters rely on the card system for daily travel and say the inability to track their balances disrupts their routine. Sonia, who travels daily, highlighted the core issue.
"The whole reason we get a card is for the convenience, so there is no point in the card if I can't tell if there is money on it and will not be able to use it." Senior citizens who benefit from the discounted JUTC fares are particularly concerned.
"As a senior citizen, sometimes we forget things, so we not going to keep up the charges by memory. We need the receipt to show us the balance to top up if we are low," Sonia added. Some commuters shared instances of being caught off guard by the new system.
"When I went to top-up the old card, them say I have to change and get the new card. I top it up with $500 and I took the bus three times, $50 for each trip, and when I was travelling again it said no access. Me never have the money fi pay," said one commuter. Others worry about more serious consequences.
"Can you imagine someone being stranded because they can't pay the bus fare because they thought they had enough on their card? And them nuh give bly," another passenger lamented. Students are also affected, as they often plan their top-ups around their school schedules. Without visible balances, they risk running out of credit at inconvenient times. Commuters are calling for immediate action from JUTC.
"We are calling on the necessary authorities to address the matter so persons can see their balances to be better prepared to travel on a daily basis," said Sonia.
Repeated attempts to get a comment from Shantole Thompson, corporate communications manager at JUTC, proved futile.