JUTC launches new route between Mandeville and Kingston

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) on Monday launched its newest rural express service—Route 512—offering commuters a more affordable and direct connection between Mandeville and downtown Kingston.

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The route, which runs along the East-West Highway, will operate three times daily in both directions. Buses will leave Mandeville at 5:45 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 3:10 p.m., while departures from downtown Kingston are set for 7:55 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 5:20 p.m.

Fares for the roughly two-hour journey start at $250 for concession passengers—including students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities—using SmartFare cards. Adult commuters using the card will pay $500. Those paying in cash, regardless of category, will be charged $600 for a one-way trip.

The new service operates as a standard JUTC route, with 53 seats and standing room for an additional 50 percent of that capacity. Seating is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

“This new route reflects our dedication to bridging communities, supporting economic activity and delivering service with care,” said Shantole Thompson, Corporate Communications Manager at JUTC. “I’m originally from Mandeville, and sometimes I rarely get to visit home because of the cost. But now, with this new route, I can travel more often. It’s truly a game-changer.”

To support the rollout, JUTC representatives were stationed at Cecil Charlton Park in Mandeville on Monday between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to help commuters top up their SmartFare cards and sign up for new ones.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz had previously signaled plans to expand rural express services, with more routes expected in the coming months. There will also be specific buses to serve students in rural areas.

According to Minister Vaz, roughly 100 buses will be deployed across 12 parishes, serving 258 rural schools in total. St. Ann will receive the largest allocation with 10 buses covering 29 schools, while Clarendon follows with nine buses for 32 schools. The programme spans a wide geographic reach, including Portland, Hanover, Manchester, and St. Elizabeth, with each parish receiving between five and nine buses depending on need.