More Buses, Less Wait Time: Transport Minister Daryl Vaz Delivers on Public Transport Promise

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz is promising shorter wait times for commuters as 63 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses officially arrived at Kingston Wharves on Thursday, marking a major step in the Government’s efforts to overhaul the public transportation system.

Vaz, who took over the transport portfolio in 2023, revealed that at the time, JUTC passengers were waiting up to two and a half hours for a bus. He said reducing this waiting time became one of his key priorities.

“This is progress,” Vaz declared. “Each of these 70 buses — 63 now, with 7 specially retrofitted for the disabled to arrive in August — carries 80 passengers and does an average of six trips per day. That’s an additional 33,600 passengers served daily.”

He noted that formal approval has been granted for a new CNG bus refuelling facility at the JUTC Spanish Town Depot, aimed at supporting the growing fleet and boosting operational efficiency. The project is scheduled for completion in August 2025.

The new buses are equipped with features such as USB charging ports for passengers and are expected to expand and improve several key JUTC routes, with a “commuter-first” approach. These include:

• Route 3 – Christian Gardens to Downtown via Waterford

• Route 8 – Naggo Head to Downtown via Westchester

• Route 16 – Greater Portmore to Downtown via Crossroads

• Route 50A – Seaview Gardens to Downtown via Marcus Garvey Drive

• Route 75 – Ferry to Papine

• Route 22 – Spanish Town to Downtown via Spanish Town Road

• …and several others.

Vaz said his ministry has significantly reduced the “misery index” — the public’s dissatisfaction with transit — by introducing improvements that make daily commuting more efficient and humane.

“This is not just about buses,” he said, “It’s about restoring dignity to how Jamaicans move.”