Transportation
Land transportation in Jamaica has a colourful and interesting past. The present system is improving daily and the future of this sector is definitely very positive and hopeful. While it was quite challenging in the past to get around, times have drastically changed. It was quite normal in the 1970s and 1980s to see people perching precariously on top of trains and atop their produce on market buses and trucks as they made their way into the city and back; but not anymore. Other modes of transportation included bikes, pushcarts, and donkeys, and these are still very useful to this day. Each generation can recount how getting around by land transportation helped shaped their lives in Jamaica. Notable mention has to be made to the railway line that linked Portland to Kingston more than three decades ago. As well, Jamaica being partly shaped by the British system has had its fair share of tramcars. Presently, there is no shortage of ways to get around in fashion and in style. With an improved and regulated transportation sector, the only way to go is forward.In the seventies and eighties, the Jamaica Omnibus Service (JOS) which was a government owned public transportation bus service, gave way to Lada taxis and minivans and "quarter-million buses." The minivans gained popularity in a very short period through their route markers, their owners, their conductors, drivers, and their speed. Travelling on a minivan was an experience to be long remembered, to put it mildly. Boarding a bus at the Parade in Kingston rivalled any reality show today and was definitely an adventure. The whole experience bordered on the surreal. As soon as one approached a bus, both you and your belongings would part company as the conductors rivalled and jostled to get your fare. Seating was a scarce commodity and standing was usually 2-deep and 3-deep if it could be arranged. There were no shortage of music and entertainment. When the conductor shouted: .Ready Driver!. the bus would start by signalling with the horn and continued to signal with the horn until it was no longer in the melee and traffic of the city. The ride would then consist of sharp twists, turns and groans until you arrive, thankfully, at your destination.
Nowadays commuting is more organized and disciplined in Jamaica. Vehicles and fares are better regulated and the streets are patrolled on a daily basis to prevent erratic driving. Jamaicans understand that driving is a serious matter and are exercising more restraint. Jamaicasinting.com also understands that. We invite you to browse this site, register with us, create your profile, and introduce your service to others. Tell us what you are doing for this sector. Are you a taxicab driver, a garage or body shop owner, or a mechanic? Do you own a parts store? What is even more fantastic is that once you register your business or trade with on jamaicasinting.com, others will be able to see your profile and services. What we ask is that you pass this site on to others and in doing so; you will benefit yourself and others. Remember that one hand washes the other.
