JUTC to Launch Testing of Self-charging Battery Electric Bus

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) will shortly commence testing of a self-charging battery electric bus.

The unit has the potential to operate over 1,500 kilometers before requiring refuelling and can last three months before needing a rapid battery recharge.

Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport Minister, Hon. Daryl Vaz, says this undertaking signals yet another option being explored by the Government to deliver eco-friendly public transportation to the citizens of Jamaica.

Speaking during the Ministry’s press conference at the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre in St. Andrew on Tuesday (March 4), Mr. Vaz said the JUTC has advanced its strategy of exploring cheaper and more environmentally friendly fuel mixes to power its fleet.

“I am pleased to report that of the average daily run out of 250 buses by the company, 120 are powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and another six by rechargeable battery. This represents 50.4 per cent of the operable fleet and has, since September 2024, resulted in significant fuel cost savings,” he informed.

A total of 170 buses have been acquired for the JUTC, with an additional 100 currently in procurement. Of these, 70 are fuelled by CNG.

“The planned infusion of these additional 70 CNG buses by mid-2025 should see greater reliance on CNG-powered buses to move commuters and a correspondingly reduced dependence on diesel-powered buses,” Minister Vaz pointed out.