PSV operators press govt for duty-free fleet concessions

Public transport workers have been recognised for their dedication, with industry leaders presenting awards and fuel vouchers while calling for the government to support the sector.

The Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) gave the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Worker of the Year award to Roger Norgrove, who has worked for many years on the Pine/Regency Park route. Known as Roger Dan, he was praised for his clean record, reliability and long service. His manager Shawn Gittens accepted the award on his behalf.

From left: Long time PSV driver Roger Norgrove wins the Worker of the Year award at AOPT’s awards ceremony at the Atlantis Submarines. Here Pastor Dale Haynes presents the award to Norgrove’s manager Shawn Gittens. (Photo Credit: Ricardo Roberts/Barbados TODAY)

​AOPT Chairman Roy Raphael highlighted the significance of the accolade during the ceremony at Atlantic Submarines in Bridgetown.

“Since the association was formed in October 2012, this is our second formal awards event. We normally award people for their good working ability, and when we did our background check on Roger, we had no problems whatsoever. He is a very good worker, always on time, and serving one of our key routes,” Raphael said.

​In addition to individual honours, operators were presented with fuel vouchers donated by Rubis to help with rising costs, as well as official certificates and new “Safe Bus” vehicle stickers designed to help police identify operators who follow the rules and perform well.

​AOPT officials also used the event to highlight pressing economic challenges facing operators, specifically asking for duty-free concessions from the government to help upgrade the island’s ageing fleet.

​“Diesel is the heaviest cost when it comes to our pockets on the roads of Barbados,” Raphael explained. “Some operators are putting in as much as $200 to $300 a day in diesel. That is why we want to have a direct conversation with the prime minister. We want to discuss duty-free concessions, which have been plaguing us for a very long time. Some of these buses are older than me; over 35 years old. We would like to see us improving our buses, especially with tourists using the service.”

​The association also announced plans to partner with the Co-operative Investment Fund to acquire seven housing plots specifically for PSV workers, similar to what is offered to police officers. It also intends to explore options to buy into the state-owned Transport Board amidst proposed divestment plans.

​Addressing concerns over sector discipline, AOPT Communications Officer Mark Haynes defended most transport workers against negative stereotypes but admitted that some behavioural problems still exist.

​“We are cognisant that we have issues in the sector which have given it a bad name because of a few people doing foolishness,” Haynes said. “That narrative is a false narrative going across the island, and we try to fight it back. Bad behaviour is societal; it is not only in this sector. But where there is good, people should be recognised. These gentlemen get up at three in the morning to take people to and from work, contributing significantly to Barbados’ gross domestic product.”

​Haynes and Raphael both renewed calls for an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Mia Mottley to address structural bottlenecks, taxi and PSV permits, and the expansion of the Transport Augmentation Programme (TAP).

​“The Alliance on Public Transport was very instrumental in the formation of TAP through many nights of negotiation,” Haynes added. “It is time for the prime minister to meet with the sector to ascertain our problems and see where she can help accelerate processes to move us forward.”

(RR)