JUTC warns commuters against saving bus seats for absent passengers

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) is urging passengers to stop saving seats on its buses for people who have not yet boarded, stressing that available seats are to be used on a first-come basis.

The State-run bus operator issued the reminder in a statement on Wednesday after receiving reports that some riders have been sitting in, or otherwise holding, seats for relatives, friends and acquaintances while other commuters are left standing even though places are open.

Shantole Thompson, the JUTC’s corporate communications manager, said the company wants passengers to show consideration for each other and support a travel environment that is fair, courteous and orderly.

Thompson said the public transport service is grounded in fairness and equal access. She noted that JUTC serves the wider public and that every passenger should have the same chance to sit where seating is available.

According to Thompson, keeping seats for people who are not on the bus creates inconvenience for other passengers and goes against the courtesy and fairness expected on public transportation. She said the company is asking customers to help make travel more considerate and pleasant for all users.

The communications manager also said commuters are being encouraged to follow the guidance of bus crews, who may request that seats being held or left unattended be released to passengers waiting to sit.

She said the approach is aimed at improving passenger comfort and making better use of seating capacity across the JUTC network.