John Myers Jr., Staff ReporterTHE OPERATORS of Highway 2000, TransJamaican Highway (TJH) and Jamaican Infrastructure Operator (JIO), yesterday began
to offer 'Special Commuter Discounts' which could earn commuters free travel between Spanish Town and May Pen on Highway 2000 depending on frequency of use.
However, Nicole Kuster of the JIO told The Gleaner that the discount would only apply to commuters who purchase T-tags and travel the highway at least two times per day which would amount to a minimum of 10 times for a five-day week.
50 PER CENT DISCOUNT
In addition, commuters will have to bring proof of residency and employment, for example, a copy of utility bills and job or business letter. After the first 25 trips motorists will be offered a 50 per cent discount up to 35 trips and free passage between 36 and 45 trips on a monthly basis.
"We can't afford to give back our commuters cash, but what we can do is credit your account at the end of the month after we have seen your travel according to what we have stated on the flyer," explained Ms. Kuster.
THREE-FOLD INCREASE
The special offer comes about a month after the toll rates were increased three-fold to travel the 33-kilometre highway on the opening of the new Bushy Park to Mandela segment on December 15 last year. The increase triggered complaints from some members of the public that the rates being charged were too high. Prime Minister P.J. Patterson,reacting to the
complaints at the official opening of the new segment announced that the Government was open to offering discounts to frequent users of the highway.
The discount forms part of the highway operators' effort to encourage more motorists to use the dualised motorway which stretches from Mandela, near Kingston to Sandy Bay, Clarendon. Since the opening of the new segment, usage has reportedly been 20 per cent above expectations. More than 100,000 vehicles have reportedly used the highway.
