Man charging ‘boarding fee’ in viral bus video not our worker - JUTC
JUTC Denies Link to Viral ‘Boarding Fee’ Video
The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) has moved swiftly to distance itself from a man seen collecting money from commuters in a viral TikTok video. The company confirmed that the individual is not an employee or authorised representative, and the matter has been reported to the police for immediate action.
What the Viral Video Shows
The TikTok video, posted by user Wayne Mighty, captured a man seemingly collecting cash from passengers waiting to board a JUTC bus on the Ocho Rios Route 511 between Half-Way-Tree and Ocho Rios. Claims on social media suggested that travellers were being asked to pay for a “number” before boarding—a practice the JUTC says is completely unofficial.
Popular Route Under Scrutiny
The Route 511 bus is part of the JUTC’s rural express network, which connects Kingston to Ocho Rios. The video prompted widespread concern among regular commuters about potential exploitation.
JUTC’s Official Response
In a statement released on Monday, the JUTC said it had conducted an internal review and confirmed the man is not affiliated with the organisation. Corporate Communications Manager Shantole Thompson reassured the public that no unofficial fees are ever required. “We want to assure the public that the Jamaica Urban Transit Company does not require passengers to pay for a number or any unofficial fee to board our buses,” Thompson said. “The only payment required is the approved bus fare through our official systems.”
Referral to Police
The company has reported the incident to the Jamaica Constabulary Force, which has indicated that immediate action will be taken. This swift response aims to deter similar fraudulent activities and maintain public trust.
How JUTC Fares Actually Work
The JUTC operates an Electronic Fare Collection System, including the SmartFare system on many routes. Passengers pay only the posted fare—no extra charges for boarding or “numbers.” On the rural express routes, such as the Half-Way-Tree to Ocho Rios service, fares are clearly displayed and collected via official methods.
Staying Safe on Public Transit
JUTC urges commuters to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity directly to the company. This can be done via their official hotline or social media channels. The company emphasises that any request for payment outside the official fare structure is both unauthorised and illegal.
Broader Implications for Commuters
The viral video serves as a reminder that unofficial fee-seeking can happen anywhere, even on well-regulated transit systems. JUTC’s proactive stance—denying the link and involving police—helps reinforce the importance of using only official fare systems. As rural express routes expand, maintaining clear communication about fare policies is essential to prevent confusion and protect passengers from scams. The company’s commitment to transparency and swift action sets a strong precedent for addressing such incidents in the future.