COME SEPTEMBER 1, the Ministry of Transport and Works is to start a pilot phase of the "Smart Card" system which will minimise cash transaction on buses.
Minister, Dr. Peter Phillips, who made the disclosure Wednesday at a press briefing in Kingston, said the pilot project would involve students from the University of Technology, the University of the West Indies and the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) staff.
"Testing of the system began in July... The objective is to have it introduced to the entire JUTC system by December 1," said Dr. Phillips, in a release from the Jamaica Information Service.
The 'Smart Card' is also meant to improve accountability and revenue collection, guard against theft, and accelerate passenger entry into buses.
Its pilot introduction will be preceded later this month by a public education programme on its use.
"This will be important because an efficient public transport system hinges on a commuting public that is both knowledgeable and disciplined," Dr. Phillips said.
The campaign will also include "simple but important things such as how to signal a bus to stop, what are the designated points where buses will stop, and courtesy on the buses."
