Transport Board ‘to get more new buses’

Riding high on reports of big savings in fuel and maintenance costs and positive reviews from commuters, the fleet of electric buses crisscrossing the nation is to be boosted by another 14, the Minister responsiblefor the Transport Board told Parliament on Tuesday.

The buses are due to land here by July, Minister of Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill announced as he outlined how his ministry planned to use just over $75 million to improve the road network and boost the island’s transport capacity.

He told lawmakers: “The electric buses that we procured, they continue to perform very well. We have had a situation where the cost of diesel decreased by over two million dollars, a 34.5 per cent saving. Due to the performance of the [electric] fleet, a significant reduction in bus maintenance cost, especially in the areas of brake, engine, and transmission changes. We’ve also had an additional 23 powertrain units in the service, which contributed to the reduction in our overall expenditure.

“We anticipate, we should have 14 electric buses in Barbados, no later than the beginning of July, and once those are here, they will be on the road to complement the existing fleet. As we move to an electric fleet, what it does for us at the Transport Board, and the ministry certainly, is to continue to reduce the losses associated with the Transport Board.’

The road works programme, funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) which is aimed at improving several kilometres of road, had achieved much success thus far, he added, as he asked the House to approve additional funds to pay professionals working on the project.

Gooding-Edghill said: “The ministry is seeking a supplementary for $800,000 to complete the professional works as part of the IADB Road Rehabilitation Programme.

“As part of that programme, the Government rehabilitated approximately 31 kilometres of key segments of primary road networks, as well as drainage and the construction of sidewalks, and covers and other safety measures.

“So the amount in $800,000 is meant to supplement the professional services in respect of the IADB [Road Rehabilitation] Programme.” (SB)