PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson has said that one of his major achievements, as Prime Minister of Jamaica for 13 years, was the transformation of the public transportation system from a "patty pan" bus system, to one where commuters are able to ride in comfort.
Mr. Patterson was speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre in Kingston yesterday, which also marked his 13th anniversary as Prime Minister of Jamaica.
He said since taking office, his administration has spent in excess of $6 billion to improve the system. Mr. Patterson said, "it is appropriate to reflect that improvements to the public transportation system were not only a part of our political manifesto in 1993 but it is a promise we have fulfilled".
DEDICATED SCHOOL BUS SERVICE
Mr. Patterson said that a dedicated school bus service was established in the city after acquiring 26 Mercedes Benz buses. A special bus service, he said, was also put in place for public sector workers.
He said 600 state-of -the-art Volvo and Mercedes Benz buses were bought to form the fleet of the new bus service for the general commuting public. This was followed by the formation of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC).
He however acknowledged that while his administration can be proud of this achievement, there were issues such as crime and violence that needed to be addressed. "In this particular area, unquestionable, much more remains to be done," he told his audience.
Mr. Patterson said that the Government was working closely with its international partners to fight the international network of narcotic dealers and gun smugglers, which he said represents a significant percentage of the crime problem.
He however noted that citizens have to join in the effort to fight crime.
