JUTC’s Route 710 will now leave Portland at 5:30 am, giving residents timely access to the capital.
Jamaica’s Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has made a significant adjustment to the newly launched JUTC Route 710 bus service, responding to concerns about convenience for Port Antonio residents. According to the Jamaica Observer, the bus route, which officially began operations on Wednesday, will now depart Port Antonio at 5:30 am and arrive in Kingston by 8:30 am.
Vaz explained that he discovered the original routing had the bus departing Kingston at 5:30 am and arriving in Port Antonio at 7:30 am, then turning around to leave at 8:30 am. Recognizing this arrangement did not serve Portland residents’ needs, he directed the route to be reversed. “I wanted to make sure that that is implemented so that the people of Portland can go and get to Kingston in time for business and be able to return safely,” Vaz stated at the launch event in Port Antonio Square.
The Route 710 service connects Port Antonio through St Thomas to Downtown Kingston, providing a direct link between the northeastern parish and the capital. Vaz noted that a depot for the bus has already been secured in Port Antonio to support the new schedule. The minister emphasized that the adjustment would allow residents to conduct business in Kingston while ensuring they could return home safely, while also inviting Kingston residents to visit Portland, which he described as “the safest, most beautiful parish in paradise.”
The JUTC operates Jamaica’s primary public bus transportation network. Route 710 represents an expansion of service to connect Portland Parish, located on Jamaica’s northeastern coast, with Kingston, the capital and largest city.
This development reflects Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to improve inter-parish transportation infrastructure and connectivity. Enhanced bus routes between rural and urban areas support economic mobility for residents in less-connected regions and facilitate commerce and tourism across the island.
Written & Edited by Orlyn Edwards. Published by Caribbean Air Force Media.
Category: News · Island routing: Jamaica