Are you a smart Consumer?

If you are like thousands of Jamaicans, at some point of your life you have taken the public transportation system.

There have been a lot of advancements in the public transportation system over the years. I remember the days when the steps of the bus were considered to be a suitable place for the passengers to travel.

Students were at that time perceived as ‘undesirable’ since they paid a lower fare. As a result there was a recurring cry of, ‘No schoolers,’ that greeted many students as they tried to get home from school.

The conductors or ‘ductor’ as he was referred to would squeeze between the already crowded aisles of the bus in order to collect the passengers’ fares.

There was rampant disregard for the passenger’s time as the buses would wait for hours until they were full, forcing passengers to endure long periods of sitting in a hot bus at the park.

Changes

Times have certainly changed and although there have been challenges along the way, I think that mostly the changes have been for the better.

The introduction of a cashless system on the buses reduces the probability of attracting criminals. Recently there has been an increased drive on the part of Jamaica Urban Transport Company (J.U.T.C) to encourage all passengers to purchase the ‘smarter’ card.

In a bid to ensure all students and the elderly continue to access their concessionary fare of $30.00. there were renewed calls for persons to purchase the card for travel.

Smart Purchase?

Even if you are not a student, once you take the bus on a regular basis it makes sense to purchase the card.

In my opinion, using the card cuts down on the security risk that arises from travelling on public transport. It also allows you  to budget your allotment for bus fares without worrying that you will over spend and not have enough to cover your transportation costs.

So what is your take? Are you a ‘smart’ consumer?

Let me hear from you!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley

Gleaner Online Writer

Tags: transportation