6 Key Areas Of Focus For Vision 2030

National Transporters Alliance Group Limited (NTAG)

6 Key Areas Of Focus For Vision 2030

  1. When It Comes To Fare Fixing, We  Are In The Private Sector

“Are we operating as private sector entrepreneurs, like the supermarket, gas station,

market vendors, farmers, manufacturers, banks, insurance etc., putting up our own

capital, and paying taxes etc., with the expressed goal to make a decent profit and ROI…. If we make a loss that is for our own account.

OR

Are we in the Government operated and controlled Public Transportation Sector offering a public service, supported, subsidised and funded in part by tax payers money, so the Government fixed and controlled fares to the public is lower, as in the case of the JUTC.”

NTAG’s position is that we are a private sector group of individual, corporate investors and operators, our firm position is that we are operating as private sector entrepreneurs, like the supermarket, gas station, market vendors, farmers, manufacturers, banks, insurance companies etc., putting up our own capital, and paying taxes etc., with the expressed goal to make a decent profit and ROI…. If we make a loss that is for our own account.

  1. Public Transportation Sector Cannot Survive On One Foot To Achieve Vision 2030.

NTAG’s view and a key feature of its Vision 2030 plan is that the public transportation sector can survive on two feet! One that combines the opportunity to derive income from passenger fares and courier services. According to NTAG multiple revenue streams will allow for a more profitable transportation sector, and relieve it of the need to frequently seek and require government support to stand-up strong and independent.

  1. The Jamaican People Deserves Better – To Achieve Vision 2030.

The 2030 Vision as envisioned by NTAG embraces three key elements:

Technology: will significantly improve efficiency within the sector and allow for a more seamless distribution and access to information and service via the smartphone.

A Cashless System: will provide higher levels of security for the Transporters, who are now forced to carry around large wads of cash on a daily basis, making them targets for criminals. This will also allow passengers and customers to conduct transactions via their smartphones and reduce the need to walk with cash.

Scheduled Times: will allow passengers and customers to better plan their departure and arrival times for both business and personal matters with No More Squeeze Up, and On Time Departures. On the courier side this will allow for increased timely and organised delivery schedules.

  1. Emancipate Investors and Owners – To Achieve Vision 2030

NTAG’s position is that if the Transport Sector Plan for Vision 2030 Jamaica is going to ensure the development of world-class transport infrastructure and services that contribute to the competitiveness of our producers and improved quality of life for our people, then it must provide for and facilities an environment for entrepreneurs to invest with a reasonable expectation for a return on their investment.

  1. Inability To Attract And Retain Suitable and Qualified Drivers And Conductors – To Achieve Vision 2030.

As far as NTAG is concerned, and the vast majority of investors in the sector agree, the quality of the available pool of talent from which the sector sources human resources for these roles is grossly inadequate and in need of immediate overhauling. Addressing longstanding issues of job security, working conditions, equity, uneven application of increases, and inadequate salaries is an immediate and urgent priority of NTAG.

Drivers And Conductors Outline Employment Structure

  1. Employees and not independent contractors
  2. Begin paying over their three per cent National Housing Trust statutory contribution.
  3. A minimum wage per 40-hour work week.
  4. Single-time rate per hour for work done during any period not exceeding 40 hours in any week.
  5. Additionally, work done during any period in excess of 40 hours in any week will attract a time-and-a-half rate.
  6. Allowances payable
  • Laundry allowance
  • Life insurance coverage, with double-indemnity protection and dismemberment coverage
  1. The Full Support of Minister of Transport & The Transport Authority – To Achieve Vision 2030.

NTAG notes that the Transport Authority has already begun to make key and fundamental changes that are in line with NTAGs outlined position. This was clearly outlined by the Managing Director of the Transport Authority, Willard Hylton.