Do Consumers embrace changes?

I like dependable products and services so I don’t readily accept change.

This lack of flexibility has given me some grief as I struggle to get on board with new technologies and the nickname of ‘dinosaur’ by some of my frustrated friends.

I just don’t like change, as the old saying goes, ‘If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.’ So I feel if things are going well why bother to change it?

Change is good

The truth is though not all change is bad. Sometimes when products roll out new flavours or new ingredients they do enhance the product.

There are also those changes which protect consumers and provide a safer environment.

The introduction of smart cards for customers by the J.U.T.C.(Jamaica Urban Transit Company) has produced a system that reduces the need for large amounts of cash on their buses which is much safer.

There has been a recent push by the J.U.T.C. to go totally cash less by encouraging all their customers to purchase the cards before the start of the new school year.

There was a rush to buy the smart cards which resulted in long lines at the Half Way Tree Transportation Centre. I spoke to one woman who said she thinks it is a good development as it will result in a safer environment on the buses.

She lamented though at the lack of discipline that still exists on the buses since vendors are still allowed to board the bus and sell their wares. She added that the buses should also be driven carefully to avoid accidents.

Other persons in the line said they would also like to see changes in how the buses are scheduled. Since the new school year starts soon they wanted to ensure that everyone would be punctual by the company sending out more buses on those routes that are heavily used in the morning.

So change is certainly in the air!

Have you embraced the new cash less system? It will also save time as the conductor and customer will not have to waste time trying to give exact change.

I think it is in everybody’s best interest to embrace change even though at times it might be difficult at first to adapt.

What are your thoughts? Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner online Writer

Tags: bus smart cards