Transportation overhaul

The Government of Barbados plans to completely revolutionise the transportation system on the island, as it works towards the 2030 goals of becoming fully carbon neutral.

This promise came on Tuesday morning from Senior Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Coordinating Infrastructural Projects, Dr William Duguid, as he delivered brief remarks at the World Town Planning Day 2022 Symposium at the.

Dr Duguid told participants that plans were on the table to deliver a national transportation mobility plan, that was not only modern in its approach, but aimed directly at tackling traffic congestion on the island’s roads.

“One of the key areas of consideration is the transition from a car-centric transportation system, to multi-modal mobility. Over the last 20 years, Barbados has experienced significant outward and disconnected suburban growth. This growth, combined with the doubling of the number of cars, has resulted in a per hour gridlock and increasing levels of congestion almost everywhere on the island.

“We expect to develop a national transportation mobility plan that will guide future investment and will propose transportation strategies,” he said.

He further added, that a holistic approach must be taken by all stakeholders, if an effective transportation transit network on the island is ever to be realised.

“Our land use planning through the Physical Development Amendment 2023, must set the stage to ensure that a range of transport strategies and modes are employed. These include a reliable and effective transit network, urban transportation management strategies, introducing park and ride locations at key junctures, advancing existing and planned active transportation and trails and introducing water taxis and water ferry services.”

The senior minister stressed that the building of new roads alone will not solve the transportation issues currently plaguing the island, but instead, a new modern framework aimed at tackling the island’s transportation needs, must be developed to ensure future green energy considerations.

“The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from transport, particularly urban transport, is central to delivering on the Paris Agreement and the sustainable development goals relating to the climate crisis and air quality. Decarbonizing mobility in Barbados therefore must be positioned as an important strategy in our climate crisis mitigation efforts.

“While Barbados’ share of greenhouse gas emissions is miniscule on the global scale, we are well aware that private vehicles and other carbon-intensive modes of transport, especially in urban areas are responsible for a considerable share of total greenhouse emissions,” he explained

A resilient and sustainable growth plan therefore, according to Dr Duguid, must be seen as the future for the island.

“We envision Barbados in which resilient, sustainable economic growth and physical growth are balanced with conservation and restoration of irreplaceable resources, rural working landscapes, cultural heritage and natural heritage.”

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb