Bus operators who ply Ocho Rios to Kingston route, withdrew their services this morning saying competition from JUTC impacting their operations

Bus operators who ply the Ocho Rios to Kingston route, withdrew their services this morning.

They say Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) operations in the town are steadily eroding their customer base and undermining their ability to sustain viable business operations.

The drivers parked their vehicles along the side of the road at the Ocho Rios bus park, noting that their main concern is the number of JUTC buses now operating on that route.

The state run bus company operates services from Ocho Rios to Spanish Town, Half Way Tree and Downtown Kingston daily.

The operators are calling for a more equitable system, saying such an adjustment is necessary to ensure they too can maintain a sustainable livelihood.

Meanwhile, one passenger told IRIE FM News that, while he uses the route regularly, he deliberately chooses the bus operators in order to support small businesses and local drivers who depend on the service for their income.

Another commuter expressed a different view, saying she prefers travelling with the JUTC buses, pointing to the lower fares.