Jamaica Highway 2000 Case Study
Toll rates expressed in Jamaica dollars rose by an average of 11.2% between 2015 and 2016; and 3.1% when in US dollars (as allowed in the pricing formula). Toll rates on the North-South Link are shown in Table 4 below. Table 4 Toll Rates on North-South Link NORTH-SOUTH LINK:
JA$
USD
USD/km
Caymanas to Ocho Rios: Class 1
$1,220.00
$9.66
$0.15
Class 2
$2,450.00
$19.40
$0.29
Class 3
$3,700.00
$29.30
$0.44
Distance in km
66.14
Unity Valley to Ocho Rios: Class 1
$450.00
$3.56
$0.15
Class 2
$880.00
$6.97
$0.29
$1,340.00
$10.61
$0.44
Class 3 Distance in km
23.97
Source: Toll Authority of Jamaica
For class 1 vehicles, tolls are equivalent to USD0.15 cents per km, rising to USD0.44 cents for heavy goods vehicles. These tariffs are not dissimilar from toll rates in North America and Europe.
5.5 Benefits of Highway 2000
The East-West Highway has spurred new investments in secondary towns that are now within commuting distance of Kingston. May Pen has seen significant population growth over the past decade, with new housing developments being built close to the Highway. The North-South Link has dramatically cut transit times between the north and south coasts, opening up new possibilities in agriculture and tourism; tour companies now take cruise ship passengers on visits to Kingston.
Both Bouygues and CHEC are seeking new construction opportunities in Jamaica. As part of its Concession, CHEC has access to 1,200 acres of Government-owned lands adjacent to the North-South Link, and are planning to build 2,400 new hotel and residential rooms in St. Ann 44 within the near future. CHEC plans to move swiftly on these developments because they have a financial incentive to do so. Without aligning incentives, the secondary commercial developments along the toll roads (gas stations, hotels, shopping malls, etc.), may be slower in coming.
Bennett, “CHEC adds 1,400 more rooms to planned North South Highway hotels.” May 9, 2015
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