Positive feedback UWI, UTech student reps hail dedicated JUTC service

A month into the new academic year, student leaders at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, and the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) are celebrating the transformative impact of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s (JUTC) dedicated bus service. The initiative has significantly reduced travel costs and enhanced safety for students, garnering widespread praise. Roshaun Wynter, UWI Mona Guild president, highlighted the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, emphasizing the service’s role in providing secure transportation for those attending late-night classes. Launched on July 31, the service connects key locations such as Half-Way-Tree, Portmore, Spanish Town, and Old Harbour. Prime Minister Andrew Holness further bolstered the initiative by announcing free JUTC bus travel for students from September to October, a move Wynter described as a financial lifeline for many. Despite minor concerns about route expansion, the service has been lauded for its punctuality and reliability. Notably, the bus system has enabled some students to move off-campus, easing financial burdens associated with housing. UTech Students’ Union President Percival Johnson echoed these sentiments, noting the service’s popularity among early and late commuters. The initiative has also gained traction on social media, with students sharing their positive experiences on platforms like TikTok. Looking ahead, Wynter expressed hope for fleet and route expansions to further support commuting students, particularly those in rural areas.