A proper bus system will spur economic growth – Stephen Facey

Chairman of Pan Jamaica Group, Stephen Facey (R), has urged the government to prioritize creating a proper bus system, which he said can contribute greatly to economic growth and job creation.

Facey was speaking at the fourth staging of the Maurice Facey Lecture under the theme ‘A City for People: Reimagining Jamaica’s Transportation System.’

“Good mobility is fundamental to a thriving economy. Yet in Jamaica, we have emphasised a system that is reliant on the private motor cars as the favoured mode of transport, despite the fact that only 26 per cent of our citizens own private vehicles,” Facey said.

He bemoaned the focus placed on prioritising vehicles in the design of our roadways, especially in the nation’s cities, “often to the detriment of public safety and equitable access.”

“Urban development, when thoughtfully planned and executed, has the power to revitalize our cities and reshape the way we live,” he said.

“Well-designed cities can uplift communities by fostering environments rich with opportunities, promoting inclusivity, access to services [which] in turn stimulates economic growth, attracts investments and generates jobs,” the businessman said.

He called for a fully integrated bus system that serves all our citizens and is clean, safe reliable and timely, adding that a proper bus system, which forms part of a well-designed city, prioritizes equity and sustainability.

With “20 per cent of our import spending” going toward cars, fuel and parts, this surpasses our expenditure on food, he said.

In addition, he called on the government to implement “a proper school bus system that gets our children to school and home safely.”

He further called for dedicated bus lanes to allow for efficient operation of our buses, “well-located transport centres that are hubs for cars and interchange,” and urged the government to look to successful cities for inspiration on how to do this.

“We need bold, coordinated leadership that unites all stakeholders…in a shared vision,” Facey said.

The recent staging of the Maurice Facey Lecture Series featured Enrique Peñalosa, former Mayor of Bogotá, Colombia as the guest speaker.

The Maurice Facey Lecture Series, established in 2019, provides a platform for global thought leaders to explore the critical role of urban development in Jamaica. The series honours the legacy of the late Honourable Maurice Facey, OJ, JP, the founder of Pan Jamaica Group, who was known for his unwavering passion for Jamaica's development and the well-being of its people.