Licensing Authority clears PSV permit backlog after delays

More than 400 public service vehicle (PSV) operators have received overdue inspection certificates following weeks of permit delays caused by the rollout of a new licensing system, the Barbados Licensing Authority (BLA) announced on Wednesday.

 

The delays were largely linked to the rollout of a new integrated system jointly implemented by the BLA and the Barbados Revenue Authority (BRA), designed to manage vehicle inspections, renewals, transfers and the issuance of inspection certificates.

 

Chief Licensing Officer Treca McCarthy-Broomes acknowledged that initial difficulties arose as staff at both authorities familiarised themselves with the system.

 

“We had some issues initially with the system, the new system, especially with training; it is new to both Licensing Authority and Revenue Authority, and we are very grateful that with the patience and understanding we came to a resolution,” she said. “A number of PSV owners have received the inspection certificates, so well over 400 and more will be on the way.… Now more PSV operators will be receiving their inspection certificates at a faster pace so that they can be on the road for this Christmas season. So I want to thank them for their understanding around this time.”

 

The announcement comes after public concern earlier this month when some PSV owners reported lengthy delays in receiving inspection results, preventing them from renewing permits and keeping vehicles operational.
Roy Raphael, chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport, said the issue had been ongoing for about six weeks.

 

Raphael explained that not all PSV operators were equally affected, noting that anniversary dates for inspections are staggered.

 

“All of our operators’ anniversary dates are not at the same time.… between 50 and 75 per cent of persons did not have a direct effect of the breakdown of the system, which we welcome, because obviously if that did happen, then it would mean that there would be a longer waiting time.”

 

The main delays, McCarthy-Broomes noted, were occurring with vehicle transfers, particularly when documentation was incomplete or insurance had expired.

 

In contrast, private vehicle registrations were reportedly running smoothly. “New registrations are processed very quickly – in five minutes or less – and are going smoothly with no reported issues,” she said.
Improvements are also being seen in PSV renewals, as legacy receipts from the old system are migrated into the new platform. Raphael highlighted the real-world impact of the delays, recalling that his own bus was off the road for a month.

 

But he acknowledged that with continued collaboration between operators and the BLA, conditions were improving.

 

The BLA and PSV operators stressed that ongoing dialogue would be crucial in preventing future backlogs and ensuring public transport continuity during the busy holiday period.

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb