Taxi operators servicing the Montego Bay (MoBay) to Hopewell route in Jamaica held a peaceful protest, expressing their frustration over the deteriorating road conditions along the Unity Hall main road in St James.
The drivers, who temporarily suspended their services during the morning hours, carried placards and called on the authorities to address the deplorable state of the roadway, which they claim has remained in poor condition for over a year. A taxi operator serving the Montego Bay to Hopewell route, highlighted the dangers posed by the damaged road.
He mentioned a recent incident where a co-worker's vehicle was severely damaged due to another driver swerving to avoid a rough section of the road and emphasized the need for constant vigilance to avoid accidents. Another taxi operator, echoed these concerns, emphasizing that avoiding the rough road surface has become a daily challenge for drivers, with numerous accidents having occurred on the road, attributing them to drivers trying to navigate the uneven surface.
While the road may not appear as bad visually, it was explained that it became evident when driving. Ras Makonnen Tafari Ellis, an operator on the same route, pointed out that the poor road conditions are not only damaging vehicles but also leading to penalties for operators when their vehicles are found to have defects during inspections. Another operator shared his experience of the road's impact on his vehicle, noting that he has had to spend money on repairs due to the road's roughness.
The taxi operators are urgently calling for the road to be repaired, and they have warned that they will return to protest if their demands are not addressed promptly. They also emphasized the importance of fixing the road for the tourism industry, as it serves as a main route for tourists heading to popular destinations like Negril, Round Hill, and Tryall.
