JUTC NTCS dispute update

The transport ministry says it is still awaiting a report from a team set up to evaluate how much money the National Transport Cooperative Society (NTCS) owes the Jamaica Urban transit Company (JUTC).



Both entities are currently involved in a dispute regarding outstanding franchise fees owed to the bus company.



The NTCS, which provides bus service in sections of the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region, is currently operating without a license.



Spokesman for the transport ministry, Reginald Allen says the group has been going over the audited financial statements provided by the NTCS.



Mr Allen says the revised figure will be presented to representatives from the bus company, the NTCS and the transport ministry for ratification.



The NTCS is also involved in legal action with the government over

breaches of a bus franchise agreement.



In May last year, the government won the 10-year legal battle with the NTCS following its takeover of the public transportation system in the Kingston Metropolitan region in a bid to rationalize the sector.



The NTCS head has since taken his appeal to the UK based Privy Council.