JAA Chauffeurs, (from left – right) Shane Russell, Horace Douglas and Murphy Gooden pose with their assigned vehicles in uniform. Each driver is fully trained and receives refresher courses in defensive driving and road safety as part of the JAA’s ongoing driver education programme for its employees.
The conspicuously branded Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA) chauffeur services vehicles were a welcomed presence at a number of entertainment events held over the ‘Emancipendence’ holiday period, partygoers were shuttled to and from events.
For those who hoped to attend the events and indulge in alcohol or were just too tired to drive, the JAA Chauffeur services were the best option both for shuttling to event locations as well as for the long journey from Kingston to Negril or St Ann.
Duane Ellis, General Manager of the JAA says more persons are now becoming aware of the service and have started to utilize it when planning to attend entertainment events outside of Kingston and St Andrew.
“Our suite of chauffeur services are ideal for individuals and groups that would prefer not to deal with navigating our roads on long cross country journeys,” he explained, noting that “we have assumed a very proactive approach as it relates to our providing these services to partygoers, as it fulfills the important road safety advocacy area of our mandate.”
The JAA provided shuttle services for the SPF Weekend of parties held during Emancipation weekend and also transported patrons to other branded parties during the month of August.
“Whether we provide the service for shuttling from parking areas to event locations, or transport persons to events across the island, we are ensuring that safe driving remains the order of the day for partygoers, and that there is little chance of incidents due to alcohol consumption,” Mr Ellis stated.
Clients on a Road Trip in Portland make a stop for a photo with their JAA Chauffeur Services coaster bus. The JAA Chauffeur service is fast becoming a preferred mode of travel for some groups when planning excursions across Jamaica.
Gabrielle Burke who used the service to travel with her friends to an entertainment event in Negril in August, thoroughly enjoyed the experience and convenience that it provided.
“We enjoyed the drive, the bus driver was excellent as well, he drove within the speed limit, was well mannered and funny. The chauffeur service really added to the trip. I would definitely use the service again as well as recommend it to others” she said.
The chauffeur service is comprised of the executive chauffeur package which is specifically positioned for special events such as weddings, graduations and VIP functions; the Premium executive package which includes a white glove chauffeur service and a business package.
“The replacement driver service is another unique element of the chauffeur services package that allows us our clients to be transported by our trained drivers using either their own motor vehicle or one of our own, when they don’t want to do the driving themselves,” Mr Ellis added.
A concierge service is also offered for members and non-members of the JAA through a valet service that will see a driver taking the client’s vehicle from one point to another – whether to the airport, garage or another location, on their behalf.
“We also pair this valet service with our fitness renewal service where we will take the client’s car to the examination depot to get it passed,” Mr Ellis explained.
