JUTC Bus Driver Allegedly Pulls Knife on Enforcement Team

A bus driver with the Jamaica Urban Transit Company, JUTC, is facing two charges following a confrontation with a member of the enforcement team employed by the state owned bus company.

Reports are that the driver, Kedrick Bailey, was at the wheel of a bus which plies the 97 Route from Bull Bay to downtown Kingston.

At about 8am, the bus was stopped by JUTC Enforcement Officers who observed that 19 passengers on board did not have bus tickets, despite having paid the driver their fares.

Under the rules of the JUTC, it’s a requirement for passengers to be given a ticket when they board a bus and pay their fares.

This is a method used by the JUTC to protect the fare box and prevent unscrupulous drivers from pocketing the fares collected.

The JUTC has been fighting a battle to prevent drivers from stealing millions of dollars per annum, from the company

Bailey was informed by the Enforcement Team that he was in breach of the rules and that he would be sanctioned.

He reportedly became boisterous and allegedly pulled a knife which he pointed at a female member of the Enforcement Team.

Members of a police patrol team witnessed the incident and arrested Bailey.

He was charged with being armed with an offensive weapon and assault at common law.

He’s booked to appear in court on Thursday, May 30.

It’s understood that Bailey will face an internal disciplinary hearing regarding the 19 ticketless passengers on board the bus at a later date.