Montego Bay, Jamaica — Mayor Richard Vernon has issued an urgent appeal to the central government to expedite the long-awaited upgrade of the city’s transportation center. Highlighting the critical role Montego Bay plays as a hub for tourism and commerce, Vernon emphasized the need for a comprehensive transportation overhaul to address growing congestion and support future development. With 70% of Jamaica’s international flights arriving at Sangster International Airport and significant infrastructure projects underway in the western region, the city’s current transportation facilities are increasingly strained. Vernon stressed that immediate action is essential to position Montego Bay for sustained growth. The existing Barnett Street transportation center, supplemented by satellite taxi stands, is insufficient to handle the volume of vehicles, including newly added buses from the Montego Bay Metro fleet and the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s (JUTC) Montego Bay to Kingston Express route. Vernon argued that a centralized, strategically planned transportation hub would streamline operations, reduce traffic bottlenecks, and enhance safety. He called for the project to be treated as a national priority, leveraging lands owned by the Jamaica Railway Corporation for expansion. Local stakeholders, including Dion Chance, president of the St James Taxi Association, echoed the need for a modernized facility that integrates amenities like shops and supermarkets to improve efficiency and convenience for commuters. While plans for island-wide transportation upgrades are reportedly in progress, specific timelines remain unclear. Vernon acknowledged the positive economic impact of initiatives like the JUTC’s new route, which connects Montego Bay and Kingston, but stressed the importance of a holistic approach to transportation development. He also addressed concerns about competition, asserting that it would benefit the economy by managing prices and improving services.