JUTC Warns Commuters Against Paying Unofficial Boarding Fees on Route 611

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) has issued a public clarification advising commuters that no payment is required for boarding numbers on its Route 611 service between Half-Way Tree and Ocho Rios.

The statement comes after a video circulating on TikTok suggested that passengers were being asked to pay money in order to receive a number before boarding the bus.

According to the JUTC, such a practice is not part of its operations. The company stressed that passengers are never required to pay any unofficial fee to board its buses.

The transit company further confirmed that the individual seen in the viral video collecting money is neither an employee nor an authorised representative of the organisation.

JUTC officials indicated that the matter has already been reported to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), which has signaled that steps will be taken to address the situation.

The company explained that fare payments are governed by strict procedures through its Electronic Fare Collection System (EFCS). Under this system, commuters are only expected to pay the approved bus fare using authorised payment methods, including the SmartFare system where available.

“Any request for additional payment outside the approved fare structure is not authorised by the company,” the JUTC said, noting that it takes issues affecting passengers and the integrity of its services seriously.

Shantole Thompson, the company’s corporate communications manager, also reassured the public that boarding fees are not part of JUTC policy.

She urged commuters to remain vigilant and reminded them that the only payment required when using JUTC buses is the official fare processed through the company’s approved systems.

Thompson also encouraged members of the public to report any suspicious activity or requests for unofficial payments so the matter can be investigated and appropriate action taken.