‘Bad’ conduct: Most PSV conductors flout rules

ore than half of public service vehicle (PSV) conductors are reportedly working illegally by failing to comply with regulations, according to a senior transit industry figure.

Roy Raphael, chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), has claimed that over 60 per cent of conductors are operating without the required identification badges and uniforms mandated by the authorities.

Raphael expressed concern about the widespread disregard for regulations that govern conductors’ terms of employment. He criticised the practice of conductors working on PSVs in informal attire, such as three-quarter-length trousers, and without badges – actions that disqualify them from legally collecting fares from passengers.

He told Barbados TODAY: “A conductor plays a very important role, and it is not the intention of the association to dismiss conductors altogether, because we find that some people use a conductor as a safety measure in order not to be attacked or robbed. If a man works alone, he is more likely to be targeted.

“We are saying that the conductor is very vital to the sector, but they must be regulated. The new regulations speak to conductors. Not only that, the conductor legally puts himself at risk if he is not legalised. For example, a person can refuse to pay a conductor if he does not present a badge. That is the law. So, to safeguard them from any court action or confrontation, we are making the suggestion to conductors to be legal.”

Raphael also highlighted instances where individuals pretending to be conductors collected fares and absconded with the money before the PSV drivers could retrieve it. He further revealed that training courses for PSV operators, covering the process of acquiring badges, would be introduced shortly.

“In the next couple of weeks, we will be running ads and working with an entity to show the importance of conductors and PSV operators,” he added.

But, Anwar Nana, chairman of the Association of Public Transport Operators (APTO), offered a more cautious assessment of Raphael’s claims. While acknowledging that many PSV operators do not wear uniforms, especially outside the Constitution River Terminal (CRT), Nana was unwilling to endorse the figure of 60 per cent non-compliance without further evidence.

“I don’t agree or disagree,” he said. “I don’t have that information. I can’t say yes or no to it without the relevant information. But the uniform outside of the CRT is where the issues are. The guys . . . if you are going across Warrens, they don’t wear uniforms.”

Nana did note that all operators within the CRT are fully compliant with the regulations, stating that no driver or conductor is allowed into the facility without wearing the required uniform and displaying their badge.

When approached for comment, Maria Boyce, who is acting on behalf of the Director of the Transport Authority, declined to respond.

emmanueljoseph@Barbadostoday.bb