KSAMC rolls out new parking arrangement for taxi operators in downtown Kingston

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has moved to introduce new parking arrangements for taxi operators in downtown Kingston as it seeks to address congestion and public order.

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby said the initiative is expected to improve road safety and create a more organised environment for both commuters and motorists.

He was speaking on Sunday at a meeting with stakeholders, including taxi associations, transport operators, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company, the Transport Authority and the police, at the Melbourne Cricket Club.

Swaby said the longstanding issue of congestion and illegal parking in downtown Kingston had to be addressed.

He said the corporation is taking decisive steps to restore order to downtown Kingston's business district, declaring that enough is enough with the ongoing clashes between taxi operators and the police over parking and ticketing issues.

Swaby said the KSAMC is prepared to give up two of its car parks to create designated parking spaces and ease tensions.

Under the initiative, sidewalks painted blue will indicate where taxis are permitted to park.

For his part, President of the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS), Egerton Newman, indicated that the KSAMC's new parking arrangements will begin as a pilot project, with approximately 3,000 taxi operators expected to benefit from the rollout.

Newman described the initiative as a historic breakthrough for the sector, noting that operators have been lobbying for proper parking arrangements for years.

He said their long-awaited call has finally been answered, with taxi operators also welcoming the move.

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