Commuters in Great Pond, Ocho Rios stranded as taxi operators withdraw service and block roads

September 7, 2026

Commuters, including students, are stranded in Great Pond, Ocho Rios, St. Ann this morning, after taxi operators withdrew their service and mounted roadblocks.

The operators say they are concerned about the implementation of the demerit point system, which they say will cause severe problems for them.

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The police have since cleared the blockade, but with the operators refusing to resume service, several commuters remain stranded.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says he has received reports of some taxi operators in Waterhouse, Kingston, parking their vehicles this morning.

However, he noted that it caused no major impact on passenger movement.

He said a similar situation occurred in Trelawny.

The Transport Ministry is monitoring the situation.

The demerit point system, which was set for implementation on October 1, is being delayed as the Ministry conducts a comprehensive review.