The Editor, Sir:
Through your newspaper we would like to reassure the public that the JUTC has taken several steps to address the negative experience of your staff members as reported in The Sunday Gleaner of September 24, in an article titled "Confessions of a JUTC driver".
The company identified one of the drivers who was allegedly involved on Route 61. That driver was verbally cautioned about the company rules and Transport Authority regulations on the conduct of a licensed public passenger vehicle operator and will be specially monitored.
The company also reminded all supervisors in central Kingston that they are to conduct short meetings with the crews under their charge at least twice per week before the crews assume duties. These meetings will serve to encourage bus crews to give the best service while on shift, receive feedback about particular situations on the routes, and also to remind them about various aspects of their duties.
The company encourages our commuters and members of the public to help the JUTC to monitor service both good and bad. The basics of doing so are:
Noting the day and the time of an incident
Noting the fleet number of the bus - the large black numbers on the outside of the bus
Keeping the bus ticket as a source of credible information
Speaking with the toll free number agent at 1-888-588-2287 or sending an email to officers on the website http://www.jutc.com/contactus.php.
The company also reminds members of the public that they are expected to respect the public passenger service by not using abusive language to JUTC staff who are carrying out their duties. Your reports help us to protect staff members in the line of duty.
We invite companies and schools to call and book the JUTC for rap sessions to give more information on how to benefit from this service that transported 75 million passengers trips last year to work, school and for family visits and recreation.
I am, etc.,
GWYNETH DAVIDSON
Manager, Marketing and Public Relations
