The Tribune

By YOURI KEMP

Tribune Business Reporter

ykemp@tribunemedia.net

The jitney industry and its drivers are "hobbling" as COVID-19 restrictions, high unemployment and weak tourism activity combine to undermine passenger traffic, Tribune Business was told yesterday.

Harrison Moxey, the United Public Transportation Company's (UPTC) president, said: “It’s been hard for bus owners. The Christmas season wasn’t what it usually was, and everyone is just hanging on right now.

"The route No.10 is still struggling, and most of the bus owners don’t have Baha Mar to rely on the way they used to as there are so few guests staying at the hotels right now. It just has to take some time, and it is a slower period for the hotels seasonally anyway, so we are keeping patient.

“As more busses come back on the road, the fight is even greater. We have some guys who still can’t even afford to insure their busses. I have just spoken to a member who wants to sell his bus because he can’t maintain it," Mr Moxey added.

"The busses on the routes for the 15A and 21A are doing better, but are just hobbling along. The weekend shutdowns along with the churches being down or having low attendance have hurt them a lot.”

Another bus owner, speaking under condition of anonymity, said: “I have not even returned to work since they allowed us back on the road. It just is not worth it right now, plus I am afraid of catching the virus. So I am sitting it out. There is no money out there for us to make now.”