THE EDITOR, Sir:
We write in respect to the concerns of Trisha R. expressed in a letter of March 16, 2005. It is true that the two bus lanes along Half- Way Tree Road between Cargill Avenue and Half-Way Tree Square are narrow. Our larger buses have only about 12 inches of space from the busy sidewalks. Additionally, heavy vehicular traffic in and out of the two gas stations, the post office, the pharmacy, banks and other businesses in the vicinity have rightly served to raise issues concerning the safety of pedestrians, noted by Tricia R. and the Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC).
While speeding records gathered by us show that our drivers generally observe the legal speed limit along this corridor, we are imposing much lower speed limits on our drivers in the area and will enforce this. We wish to assure Tricia R., our passengers and all road users that the JUTC employs high standards in selecting and training drivers, and that commuters' safety is uppermost in our minds, all our activities and planning.
The JUTC wishes to convey its condolences to the family and friends of the deceased who died in a traffic accident along this corridor on March 11, 2005. The matter is being investigated thoroughly.
We thank Tricia R. for highlighting concerns relating to the delivery of a safe, courteous and reliable bus service, and hope other commuters will do likewise or contact us at 749-3192-9, or access our website at www.jutc.com.
I am, etc.,
PATRICK MCINTOSH
Jamaica Urban
Transit Company
President
