Major ugrade and new name for Cheapside terminal

Plans are in the works for an extensive upgrade to the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Terminal at Cheapside in the City, and when the work is done, the facility will be called the Seaview Terminal.

Chairman of the Transport Authority Marie Theodore, board members, and Director Ruth Holder met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Works Santia Bradshaw, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry Dr Romel Springer, and top MTW officials to review preliminary plans for the new terminal.

Communications and Public Affairs Officer of The Barbados Police Service (TBPS) Inspector Rodney Inniss and other members of the BPS also got a first-hand look at the plans and had the opportunity to advise on security regarding the proposed terminal. Acting Chief Technical Officer Jason Bowen laid out the drawings to the Deputy Prime Minister and the team, showcasing the terminal building which will host a concourse for commuters to be accommodated, offices, a police outpost, shops, and bathroom facilities.

“The upgrade of the facility at Cheapside will enable commuters to benefit from sheltered accommodations and bathroom facilities while they wait to board public service vehicles,” Bradshaw said.

“It will also improve the facilities generally in the public transportation sector.”

The terminal will include an area for passengers to disembark, as well as loading bays for passengers to board PSVs. An area will be reserved for vendors adjacent to the terminal.

Minister Bradshaw pointed out that discussions had been ongoing for several years regarding the upgrade to the facility at the PSV terminal at Cheapside, but no commitment had been previously made concerning financing.

“We are now in a position to press ahead with the revised designs and costings with a view to starting the construction of the new facility in the upcoming financial year,” she said.

The last upgrade to a terminal was in 2018 when the current headquarters of the Transport Authority was officially opened at the Constitution River. (PR)