Public transport operators have praised this year’s Crop Over traffic arrangements, saying route changes and improved planning reduced congestion and allowed for smoother movement of vehicles and patrons.
The Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) and the Association of Public Transport Owners (APTO) said they are happy with how the process went for their members in plying their trade.
“This year, we did not have the level of traffic congestion that we experienced in previous years,” AOPT chairman Roy Raphael told Barbados TODAY.
“When the event… moved from other locations coming down Bank Hall, it would have created a lot more issues for us, the public transport sector, moving people to and from. So, this year, we were quite happy with the arrangement.”
But, he identified at least one area for improvement.
“The ability for our transportation, PSVs and minibuses and taxis, to get closer to the events. Obviously, some roads were blocked so we couldn’t get close to the event,” he said.
“We have been asking over time for a meeting with the National Cultural Foundation and the organising committee to sit with us so we can have an idea of some of the roads early and we can probably make a contribution.”
Raphael added: “Let’s look at the Botanical Gardens…. There is a diversion you have to do when it comes to taxi operations. We are saying that although most people [were] able to call people with their cell phones or for Uber, I believe one area needs to be identified so that taxis can park, and to allow more people to utilise the taxi area.”
He continued: “A lot more visitors utilised our taxis, especially within the areas of the fetes. What we found is that the majority of the Transport Board [buses] were utilised for the bigger fetes. The Transport Board usually gets the contract but both parties should be able to utilise all the sector transportation rather than one.”
Raphael suggested a meeting be held to determine how best the various forms of public transport can be engaged during Crop Over and other major events.
APTO chairman Anwar Nana said some disruption was inevitable.
“Obviously you would get disruptions. It’s normal. What happens is expected. You get [increased] travel but, [at the same time], you get a lot of traffic, so one balances out the other. No issues there as far as that is concerned.”
However, Nana, the new PSV representative on the board of the Transport Authority, noted a number of ongoing concerns within the industry.
“The main concern is the behaviour on the road. We need the workers to do better. Also, the drivers and the conductors [need to] wear the uniforms and do what is right and then everything will fall into place.”
(EJ)
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