‘Big plans in store for transport sector’

Big things are in store for the transport sector and public service vehicles (PSVs).

This was revealed by Minister of Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill during a recent meeting with PSV bodies; the Association of Public Transport Operators (APTO) and the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT).

Surprisingly, Chief Economic Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr Clyde Mascoll was also present at the meeting.

While he did not go into detail, Gooding- Edghill told both organizations that big plans were in the pipeline for the sector.

He said he would reveal more at a later date after meeting with Cabinet.

Describing the meeting as a courtesy call by Gooding-Edghill, who only took up the portfolio of Minister of Transport, Works and Water Resources two months ago, marketing and communications officer of AOPT, Mark Haynes told Barbados TODAY while much had not been revealed he was optimistic about a possible upgrade of the sector.

“He just mentioned it in passing but he said he wasn’t at liberty to speak to any specific issues because it wasn’t appropriate at that time.

“But naturally if it will be to the benefit of the PSV sector I would be happy for it. The new minister probably has his way of doing things and we are looking forward to whatever he comes with once it would benefit the overall sector,” Haynes said.

“The sector is currently having its challenges like any other sector but of course this sector plays a pivotal role as you would know in respect of Barbados’ GDP and like anybody else this sector needs help and it needs an injection, financial and otherwise. So whatever the minister comes with once it will benefit the sector we welcome it.”

He said he was eagerly looking forward to when those plans would be revealed.

Meanwhile, chairman of APTO Kenneth Best told Barbados TODAY he was not getting too excited until plans were disclosed.

He said while the minister did give his assurance that improvements would be coming, he was waiting to see what and when they would take place.

“He said it was a policy decision and Cabinet sets policy, that’s what he told us after when we were trying to enquire.

“A statement was made, it wasn’t a proposal. If I had a proposal in my hand, something that I could look at and scrutinize, but I don’t. All I can say is that the meeting was cordial and we discussed issues that were pertinent to the development of the industry and that Government has plans to improve it and that was all,” Best said.

“When we tried to poke we were told that Cabinet would make the decision and then we would be informed.”

The chairman disclosed that a Zoom meeting was scheduled to be held next week.
randybennett@barbadostoday.bb