Transportation is very important in this modern time for the movement of people and goods from one location to another. The economic wealth and contentment of a people and the nation have been closely tied to efficient methods of transportation. Transportation is crucial for numerous aspects of daily life and the broader functioning of society.  An efficient, reliable and low cost transportation system is vital for the wellbeing of the citizens and the nation.  The Public Transportation system is at present very disorganized, unreliable and is in need of urgent attention. Operators charge whatever they feel and it is quite common for the fare to be increased after eight at night. The present system cannot be allowed to continue on a long term basis as the commuters are suffering great inconveniences and hardships on a daily basis. The issue of transport subsidies for rural passengers will be looked at, with a view to ease the pressure on rural passengers. Proper terminus, drop off and pickup locations must be established and clearly identified.

  The first step needed is to address the critical need for a reliable mass public transport system in the major urban areas. The use of motor cars and other small vehicles in these areas are totally inadequate and only add to the road congestion and the frustration of the travelling public. The major type of public transportation along the main corridors must consist of large and medium size buses. The fleet of JUTC buses has been allowed to deteriorate with the total number of buses being less than half the required amount. In addition, the remaining buses are mostly old and unreliable with frequent breakdowns on the road. Steps must be taken to bring the fleet up to the required number along with a proper maintenance  program and  periodical replacement  of  the older buses  as needed.
Small minivans and route taxis must be limited to route with small passenger loads. The many concerns of taxis and other private operators will be looked at and address appropriately.

 At the moment there is no organised rural transport system. In the past, rural areas across the country  were served by private bus companies such as K Sons, Mail Bus, Confidence, Sunbeam, Beverlys, Morning Star and Honey Bee among many others. These buses which were commonly referred to as “Country Bus” play a vital role in ensuring that rural communities in Jamaica remain connected and integrated with the rest of the country. They connected remote areas with Town Centers, and   Urban Centers. These buses were very reliable and would operate on fixed schedules. Small minivans would also operate to connect persons with town centers. All of these bus companies have gone out of business and have been replaced by taxis, minivans and Coasters which are individually owned and run as they please. They often ignore the stipulated fare and charge as they see fit, and the passengers are forced to pay these fares or stay at home. This has placed a great burden on the people and cut deeply into their earnings. Children who would normally benefits from paying “half fare” in the past are now forced to pay the same fare as an adult which put additional burden on the parent and result in students missing school. JAP will put in place measures to alleviate these problems and work towards having a cost effective and reliale rural transport system in rural areas as soon as possible. This will consist of large buses along with Coasters, minivans and taxis servicing these routes.

  Transportation by rail must be a part of any plan to improve the transportation system in Jamaica. There is a very limited rail service which serves a few bauxite companies and provides passenger service for school children between Linstead and Spanish Town. Most of the lands along the former railroad corridors have been taken over by squatters, some of whom have built substantial structures on these lands. There is the need to stop the capture of these lands and to recover those which have been taken over, for the future establishment of a proper rail service to transport passengers and goods nationwide. Additional corridors must be identified for future developments as well as lands to facilitate dual tracks for the existing rail road. These lands should be restricted from having any permanent structures built on them so as to prevent any problem when it is time for the expansion takes place. The transportation of goods and passenger by rail is energy efficient, much cheaper and help to alleviate the congestion and wear and tear on our roadways. It is very reliable and safe, with a high carrying capacity and is environmentally friendly.  The restoration and expansion of our railway system would also create jobs during its expansion as well as its operation.