A total of $200 million has been granted to the Ministry of Housing, Transport, Water and Works for the construction of the Half-Way Tree Transport Centre.

The allocation, which is contained in the 2007/2008 Estimates of Expenditure, is to meet expenses emanating from the ongoing project, which is slated to be completed in October this year. Of the total, $100 million is to be used for the purchase of goods and services, while the remaining amount will go toward putting structures in place.

Half-Way Tree is the major bus transportation hub in the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region (KMTR), with over 18 different route stops and an estimated 200,000 passenger trips passing through daily.

Currently, transferring from one bus route to the next involves a walk of more than 300 metres for members of the public, with exposure to the elements of weather and traffic conditions. Construction of the transport centre will rationalise and improve the system to allow passengers to transfer from one route or mode more efficiently.

In addition to facilitating a bus terminal with dispatching and office space, the centre will provide an environment for business enterprise with the incorporation of shops and food outlets.

The project is being funded by the Government of Jamaica and the Commerzbank of Belgium.