TOLL COLLECTIONS on the newly-constructed multi-million dollar Old Harbour bypass reached an estimated $4 million in the first week of operation, according to Gleaner calculations.
Based on the number of vehicles which traversed the highway, which is estimated at an average 10,000 per day by Trevor Jackson, head of TransJamaican Highway, the operators collected a total of $3,969,000.
However, Mr. Jackson declined to divulge the exact amount of money collected, but suggested that it was below expectations.
"We're not quite there yet," he said, in terms of the projected earnings. "I think that we will get there."
Figures provided by Mr. Jackson indicated that over the one-week period, 8,700 category one vehicles travelled the highway, 400 in category two, and 900 in category three.
Under the terms of usage, category one or standard vehicles pay $50 to pass through the toll point, while the others pay $60 (SUVs/mini-vans) and $120 (trucks/large buses), respectively.
The TransJamaican Highway head expressed satisfaction with the level of usage. He said it was an indication that "Jamaicans are very happy with the concept of toll roads. It seems to be going according to plan."
Mr. Jackson is certain that "as we move to connect to Mandela and the Portmore Causeway where the need is much more pressing, usage will increase." Last weekend, officials of the National Road Operating and Constructing Company (NROCC) issued a release stating that an estimated 70,000 motorists travelled on the highway during the first week.
This came on the heels of reports that a significant number of motorists have abandoned the highway and are now opting to use the Old Harbour main road since toll charges became effective on September 25.
The increased traffic through the town of Old Harbour has reportedly resulted in congestion during peak hours, a feature which was non-existent when the highway was a freeway.
