Shelly-Ann Thompson, Staff Reporter

Bernice Richards (foreground) walks back and forth as she tries to board a No. 53 bus during yesterday's simulation exercise at the Half-Way Tree Transportation Centre in St. Andrew, which is set for a grand opening on Saturday. - Norman Grindley/Deputy Chief Photographer

Kady-Ann Walker held on to her daughter, picked up her bags and began to walk the red, tiled pavement of the Half-Way Tree Transportation Centre in St. Andrew yesterday.

Walker was about to leave, frustrated that she had been waiting for more than two hours for a No. 53 bus, as officials conducted a simulation exercise at the facility.

The transportation centre, billed at approximately $4.7 billion, is scheduled for an official opening on Saturday and full service to the public on Sunday, However, as the simulation exercise of 13 bus routes was conducted, some passengers complained that problems with the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) would continue.

"Now it's almost 12:30 and me deh here from 10 o'clock ah try fi get a bus so me can bring home me daughter," said Walker, clutching her two-year-old. "Dem not even have a chair and me baby want to sit down."

Sixty-six-year-old Bernice Richards was just as upset. She was among some other 13 persons who were also waiting for a No. 53 bus that plies the Stony Hill and Above Rocks route.

"Mi back even start to hurt me," said Richards, grabbing her side.

Mechanical problems

Bill Allen, vice-president of operations at JUTC, admitted that there was a problem as it relates to buses on the No. 53 route. Allen said the problems would be resolved shortly.

"Currently there are about two buses on that route and they have mechanical problems," he said.

"It's something we face and it's something we intend to fix," he added.

Shortly before 1:00 p.m., a bus pulled up and a JUTC staff member shouted, "Who want the 53 bus, see it here." Several anxious passengers raced on to the steps before the door even opened.

Earlier at a press briefing, Victor Green, centre manager, explained that not all infrastructure at the facility was in place for the simulation exercise.

Green, however, noted that fixtures such as public seats and exit traffic lights should be installed for the grand opening.

"Our two main challenges will be maintenance and security," said Green. "We will not and cannot succeed without the support and assistance of the public."

shelly-ann.thompson@gleanerjm.com

Sunday service

Here is some important information about the Half-Way Tree Transportation Centre's operations and service to the public on Sunday, January 13.

Tickets will only be sold at a ticket office at the centre and no cash will be accepted on the buses.

The transportation centre will open from 4:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. with 24-hour security.

Only JUTC buses will be inside the centre.

Loitering will not be tolerated.