The Tribune

By FAY SIMMONS

TRIBUNE Business Reporter

jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

JITNEY operators have accused transportation authorities of creating destructive competition within the industry by allowing too many buses to operate on individual routes, warning that the system is contributing to overcrowding and undermining drivers' ability to earn a living.

Speaking at Wednesday night’s public consultation on proposed bus fare adjustments and wider changes to the public transportation system, drivers said authorities are allowing more buses that certain routes can reasonably support, resulting in overly aggressive competition between drivers for passengers.

A veteran driver argued that the industry needs better control over the number of vehicles assigned to each route. “If 21 is supposed to have 10 buses and you put 18 or 20 on it, what you think to happen?” he asked.

He suggested introducing colour-coded licence plates for individual routes to help authorities identify buses operating outside their assigned areas and manage the number of vehicles serving each route.

The driver also called for designated bus stops to be restored, noting drivers are being ticketed for stopping to collect passengers in areas where proper bus stops have not been provided. “They have opened up new routes, but put no bus stop on the roads. Every time we stop, we get tickets,” he said.

“We need to put the bus stops back in place, so that we can stop getting tickets.” The driver said the lack of properly designated stops has left drivers facing penalties for trying to provide a service to passengers, while the wider system continues to operate without adequate organisation.

Another industry representative argued that the existing structure encourages destructive competition, and makes it difficult to establish a co-ordinated public transportation service.

The representative pointed to previous efforts to introduce a more unified system, arguing that the sector needs the capital support and political will to move towards a more organised model.

The consultation also raised questions about the authorities' responsibility for route planning and infrastructure as communities expand.

Kelsey Monroe, the Road Traffic Department’s acting controller, said it was reviewing existing routes and bus stop locations to determine whether they remain suitable as New Providence's communities grew.

He said improvements to the system will also have to address service standards, enforcement, vehicle inspections, road safety, route information and the possible use of technology and electronic payment systems.

The Department's review of routes and stops forms part of a wider assessment of how public transportation should operate, including the need for a more unified system.

The concerns were raised as the Government considers a proposed fare jitney fare increase, which has not yet been approved. Leon Lundy, minister of transport, said the process must take into account both the rising costs faced by operators and the financial pressures on commuters.