Man charging ‘boarding fee’ in viral bus video not our worker - JUTC

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) says a man seen collecting money from commuters in a viral TikTok video is not an employee or authorised representative of the state-run bus company.

The video, posted on TikTok by user Wayne Mighty, sparked widespread discussion online after claims surfaced that passengers travelling on the Ocho Rios Route 511 bus between Half-Way-Tree and Ocho Rios were being asked to pay for a "number" before boarding.

But the JUTC says the practice is not part of its operations.

In a statement on Monday, the company said it has confirmed that the individual seen in the video collecting money is not affiliated with the organisation.

The matter has since been reported to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, and the police have indicated that immediate action will be taken.

JUTC Corporate Communications Manager Shantole Thompson also moved to reassure commuters that passengers are not required to pay any unofficial fee to board its buses.

"We want to assure the public that the Jamaica Urban Transit Company does not require passengers to pay for a number or any unofficial fee to board our buses. The only payment required is the approved bus fare through our official systems," Thompson said.

She urged commuters to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the company so appropriate action can be taken.

The JUTC explained that fares are collected through its Electronic Fare Collection System, including the SmartFare system where applicable, and any request for additional payment outside of the official fare structure is unauthorised.

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