Kingston, Jamaica – Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport, Daryl Vaz, announced a new initiative to involve public transport operators in the decision-making process regarding the allocation of funds gained from traffic offences and speeding tickets. This announcement was made during the weekly virtual town hall meeting hosted by the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODDS) on Wednesday.
The minister’s remarks were made against the backdrop of revealing five new buses retrofitted to accommodate passengers with physical disabilities. These buses symbolize the ministry’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity and accessibility within the public transport sector.
“Our aim is to build a public transportation system that is efficient, effective, and, most importantly, safe,” Minister Vaz emphasized. He invited transport operators to submit their suggestions on how the revenue from traffic fines—funds that are typically funnelled into road safety—might also address various sectoral issues.
In a notable development earlier this year, Vaz highlighted a disparity in fund allocation during his first meeting with the National Road Safety Council (NRSC) in May. He pointed out that while the justice and national security ministries receive portions of the funds from road traffic offences for courthouse and police station repairs, his ministry had not been receiving its share.
To mitigate this, Vaz has requested that 20 per cent of these funds be allocated to the Ministry of Transport. This portion, he believes, could support crucial road safety public education campaigns and, more broadly, the ongoing needs of the public transport sector. The minister is optimistic that this reallocation will be approved, potentially providing hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who chairs the NRSC, has instructed the creation of a revised plan detailing how traffic ticket funds should be distributed. Vaz assured attendees that this submission is nearing completion and should be presented to the Cabinet by November.
In further statements, the minister acknowledged his recent preoccupation with post-Hurricane Beryl restoration efforts led by the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS). However, with indications from the Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) that JPS customers are set to receive justice by September, Vaz declared his intent to refocus equally on his other portfolios—transport, science, and telecommunications.
“I appreciate the trust and commitment demonstrated by the transport sector since I assumed my ministerial role,” Vaz stated. “Your dedication beyond the call of duty underpins our mutual trust, and I remain committed to enhancing the viability, profitability, and overall efficiency of public transport.”
By inviting direct input from public transport operators, Minister Vaz aims to ensure that the funds are utilized in a manner that directly addresses the sector’s most pressing needs. This collaborative approach underlines the ministry’s dedication to building a responsive and inclusive public transport system.
