Mikael Phillips, Opposition Spokesman on Transport, criticized the lack of a national plan by the Ministry of Transport to address parking issues in Jamaican town centers, particularly affecting Papine Square. He observed firsthand the congestion challenges faced by taxi operators and commuters. Phillips proposed immediate measures to enhance parking management and criticized the ticketing of operators forced to park illegally due to inadequate facilities.
On March 2, 2025, in Kingston, Jamaica, Opposition Spokesman on Transport, Mikael Phillips, expressed his disappointment regarding the absence of a national strategy from the Ministry of Transport and the Transport Authority to resolve parking challenges in urban centers. He emphasized that the lack of designated parking contributes to significant congestion, notably in areas such as Papine Square in St. Andrew, where taxi operators and commuters face serious difficulties due to insufficient facilities.
During a recent tour of Papine Square, Phillips noted the dire situation surrounding transportation congestion, particularly at peak hours. He stated, “The issue of parking is the main issue, which causes just a general congestion in the town centres,” underscoring that despite the ongoing issuance of taxi licenses, there is no effective coordination to establish designated parking spaces for taxi operators.
Moreover, Phillips criticized the government’s transportation strategy, which includes the expansion of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) routes into rural areas without a cohesive plan for integrating different transportation modes. He highlighted that while JUTC licenses are being granted, the absence of proper parking facilities hampers their effective operation.
To alleviate congestion at Papine, Phillips proposed immediate actions, such as utilizing the lay-by area behind the JUTC bus stop for taxi operators’ pick-up and drop-off operations. Additionally, he suggested better management of the Market Road area to ensure optimal use of space for vendors and transportation operators alike.
Phillips acknowledged that both short- and long-term solutions would require collaboration with local municipal corporations and the National Works Agency (NWA), yet he stressed the urgent need for effective parking solutions. He further criticized the Transport Authority and police for penalizing operators forced to park illegally due to a lack of designated parking zones. “The Transport Authority would not have provided enough parking, but yet still, between the Transport Authority and the police, operators are being ticketed for parking on the streets,” he remarked.
While the People’s National Party (PNP) does not possess all the necessary answers at this moment, Phillips affirmed that the party is actively engaging with transportation stakeholders to formulate solutions for the future.
In conclusion, Mikael Phillips has highlighted significant issues resulting from inadequate parking solutions in Jamaican town centers, particularly at Papine Square. He calls for immediate and long-term strategies to alleviate congestion and advocates for better management of transportation resources. His critique of the government’s current approach emphasizes the need for a cohesive national plan to improve transportation infrastructure and support operators facing penalties due to insufficient parking facilities.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
