Confusion over JUTC’s free ride policy for students

One eyewitness recalled seeing students from prominent high schools stopped on a number 23 bus traveling from Half-Way-Tree to Spanish Town. According to the eyewitness, who asked not to be named, the driver demanded fare because the students could not produce school identification cards. 

“The students told the driver that they haven't received their IDs as yet and she (the bus driver) told them that they have to pay to ride on the bus. I then told the driver that once they are in their uniforms, they should travel free but she said that they must have an ID to get free ride,” the eyewitness reported.

Parents have also shared similar experiences. One mother, Maggie Dixon, complained that her primary school-aged child, dressed in uniform, was still asked to pay. “My daughter doesn’t have any ID, so I don’t understand why she can’t ride free. She had on her uniform so that simply means these drivers don’t know what JUTC is doing then,” argued Dixon.

According to the JUTC’s official policy, announced at the start of the school term, all students are entitled to free rides on the state-owned buses from September through to October. Primary and secondary students qualify once they are wearing their school uniforms, while tertiary students, who are adults and typically do not wear uniforms, must present a valid school identification card.

When contacted, JUTC Corporate Communications Manager Shantole Thompson reiterated these conditions, stressing that students in uniform should not be asked to pay fares. 

“For the first two months of this school term, students can ride the JUTC buses for free under two conditions: they have to be in their school uniform and if they don't wear school uniform, for example, UWI, UTech, NCU, Shortwood and other colleges and universities, they would have to present a valid school ID. The showing of ID is not referring to primary and high school students, they should not be charged while dressed in uniforms,” explained Thompson.

This clarification aligns with JUTC’s official announcement on its website, which stated that the initiative is designed to ease back-to-school costs for families while supporting access to education.

“By supporting our students, we are making a direct investment in Jamaica’s future. Providing free rides during this critical back-to-school period reduces stress on families and ensures that every child has access to safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation to and from school,” said JUTC Managing Director Owen Ellington.

Despite this, concerns remain among parents whose children are still being charged to ride the JUTC buses while in their uniforms. Commuters are urging JUTC to ensure drivers are properly informed of the policy to prevent students in uniform from being unfairly charged.