The Transport Authority says progress has been made in resolving tensions between long-standing contract carriage operators and the newly formed Jamaica Tourism Ground Transportation Association (JTGTA), following a high-level meeting in Kingston on Tuesday.
Ralston Smith, managing director of the Transport Authority, confirmed that Daryl Vaz, minister of science, energy, telecommunications and transport, convened the meeting, bringing the Jamaica Union of Travellers Association (JUTA), Jamaica Co-operative Automobile and Limousine (JCAL) Tours Ltd, Maxi Tours, and JTGTA to the table to address industry concerns. Chief among them was the legitimacy of the JTGTA, which Smith said was “credibly addressed”.
He described the discussion as professional and productive, noting that much of the conflict now requires “a meeting of the minds” between operators from both camps, some of whom belong to both the old and new associations.
“It’s just a matter of ironing out whatever grey areas and kinks exist,” Smith told The Gleaner, adding that “a large majority of those groups are part of the new JTGTA umbrella”.
He said the minister had also requested that operators submit their concerns in writing, particularly, regarding regulatory issues such as ride-hailing and access to resort parking, so they can be escalated to the appropriate ministries and agencies.
Smith noted that ride-hailing remains a work in progress.
The transport ministry is developing a regulatory framework to govern these services, which have increased in popularity but sparked unease among licensed contract carriage operators who argue they are being unfairly disadvantaged. He said the operators were briefed on the ministry’s progress and the intent to implement rules that encourage innovation while maintaining fairness across the sector.
Another key concern raised during the meeting was the cost of parking at several resorts. Operators expressed frustration over having to pay to pick up or drop off guests at certain hotel properties. Smith said this issue will be discussed with the relevant ministerial counterparts to determine appropriate redress.
The conciliatory tone marks a notable shift from Monday’s sharp exchange, when JUTA President Simon Lawrence dismissed the JTGTA’s legitimacy, prompting a blistering public response from the new group, which accused him of failing to provide transparent leadership.
Despite the back-and-forth, Smith said all parties left the meeting with greater clarity and confidence.
“Very successful,” he said in describing the meeting. “It was important to invite everybody so we could have an appreciation of the issues going forward.”
