By Noel Thompson,
Freelance Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
MONTEGO BAY-BASED taxi-drivers were yesterday forced to return to the Satellite Car Park located along Union Street in the city.
This followed a renewed effort by the Transport Authority (Western Region) in collaboration with the Montego Bay Police, to prevent taxi-drivers from using shopping plazas, the roadways and other undesignated areas as taxi stands.
However, despite the strong presence of the police and the Transport Authority inspectors, some drivers could still be seen picking up and dropping off passengers along the road.
The Satellite Car Park, owned by the St. Paul's United Church, was constructed about the middle of last year to accommodate the taxis which ply the Salt Spring, Rose Mount, Farm Heights and Green Pond routes. However, after a few weeks, the operators stopped using the facility and returned to the streets.
But over the last few weeks, the Transport Authority and the police have moved to rid the city's streets of the operators and to have them use the Transport Centre along Barnett Street, as well as the Satellite Car Parks along Union Streets and at the LoJ complex.
Last month the Transport Authority seized 276 vehicles for operating without licences.
Ralston Smith, supervisor at the Transport Authority said yesterday's operation was a success in getting taxi-drivers to use the transportation centre and the Satellite Car Parks.
Strategic points
When The Gleaner visited sections of downtown Montego Bay several inspectors and police personnel were seen at strategic points trying to dissuade drivers from breaching the law.
"The operators have since complied, as the commuters themselves have been going to the car parks, particularly the one along Union Street. Over the next two weeks, the Transport Authority and the police will be intensifying the drive and efforts will be made to attain and sustain some semblance of order in ensuring that motorists use the facilities provided for them," Smith stated.
Meanwhile, ten vehicles were seized during yesterday's operation but Smith said the aim was not to penalise the operators, but for them to comply. The Satellite Car Parks were established to substitute the transport centre, as it could only accommodate taxis and mini buses plying certain routes in western Jamaica.
