The President of the Gros Islet Minibus Association has welcomed discussion on the future of the public transport sector.
Danny Edward spoke following Transport Minister Stephenson King’s suggestion on Monday to introduce a government-owned bus service.
King said the larger vehicles could operate on primary roads, including the Gros Islet route, while other buses connect to various communities.
The Minister emphasised it was merely an idea and not a government decision.
However, the President of the Gros Islet Minibus Association told St. Lucia Times the idea was not new.
According to Danny Edward, a recent report contained it, as did another document over a decade ago.
He said the Gros Islet Minibus Association welcomed debate and discussion.
“‘Let The Discussion Take Place,” Edward declared.
He explained there was merit in suggesting bigger buses, especially on the Gros Islet route.
Nevertheless, Edward asserted that the big challenge would be who would own the buses.
He did not believe government ownership would solve some issues confronting the public transport system or benefit the public.
“I think it should remain as a PPP; that’s where the world is heading. It’s a better format. We should continue that,” the Gros Islet Minibus Association President told St. Lucia Times.
He noted that under the current arrangement, the government maintains some control in the public transport sector, including pricing.
Edward felt that the route associations and the government would eventually decide which system would best meet the needs of the society.
Settle the matter and put errors to rest !! Make good discisions ⚖️
My main concern on this issue is MAINTENANCE of the vehicles to keep the service to the public afloat, whether private or government owned (God forbid). Vehicular maintenance, price maintenance, staff maintenance, bus stands, routes – and more.
This would be a necessity and a HUGE undertaking. But it WILL BE necessary in time to come. Keep talking!!
“The minister said its merely an idea and not a government decision” Why must this minister lie so much! These recommendations have been on your own ministry’s consultancy reports for over a decade and you have ignored them for YEARS as well as many more recommendations about road safety, improvements for traffic circulation from Castries to Gros Islet!! And now in 2024 coming with this “it’s merely an idea” !!! Yol politicians are special!!!!
Just like in Central castries….ministers are engineers and urban planners and developers and designers and everything!
SMH. Pppl wise up . King MINISTER OF infrastructure and Transport for over 5 yrs. Has these sectors improved? Infrastructure? btw includes govt bldgs. Is there a better and more efficient transportation system. Just a bunch og talk to fool the idiots. The only thing of note from this man is Speed Bumps at Harbor Club which have not decreased road accidents nor fatalities. Check the stats. They hv actually increased with him as minister but yet still ppl liv their homes and vote for CATEGORY ONE FAILURE who gives them contracts and jobs and favors. Any ways