EDITORIAL: Public transport needs a major clean-up

The Congress of Trade Unions and Staff Associations of Barbados (CTUSAB) General Secretary Dennis DePeiza has said out loud what many Barbadian commuters have been quietly agonising over for many years. 

His assessment of the public transport system is really a reflection of the frustration of thousands of commuters who continue to struggle with unreliable service, long waiting times and limited access to transport, particularly outside the main urban areas of St Michael and Christ Church.

For years, they have complained about buses arriving late, failing to arrive at all, or operating on schedules that have little to do with reality. Despite various initiatives and promises, the problems persist. As DePeiza rightly pointed out: “Despite the efforts of successive governments, this problem remains unresolved.”

Public transport is not simply moving people from one place to another. Economic growth, education, healthcare and social inclusion all depend on a reliable public transit system. When transport fails, the consequences are felt throughout the country.

Workers who arrive late because they cannot get a bus lose valuable time and money. Consistent lateness could even result in a loss of employment. Businesses suffer when workers are delayed and students miss classes.

DePeiza correctly highlighted the link between transport and productivity when he stated that the absence of a reliable service is contributing to “a fall in national productivity as a direct result of time lost by workers commuting to and from work.”

This is an issue that can no longer be treated as a minor inconvenience. It is a national challenge that requires a national response.

Particularly troubling is the inequality that exists between those living in many St Michael and Christ Church communities and those in rural parishes like St Lucy, St Andrew, St Joseph, St John and even St Philip. Many residents outside the main corridors continue to face long waits and uncertainty when trying to get to work, school or access essential services.

As DePeiza noted: “It cannot be fair that Barbadians who live outside the urban corridors have to continually suffer the indignity of being treated less favourably when it comes to access to public transportation.”

Access to transport should not depend on where a person lives. Every citizen deserves a dependable service regardless of whether they reside in Bridgetown, St Lucy, St Andrew or Christ Church. A truly national transport system must serve the entire island effectively.

The shortcomings of the current system have also created opportunities for unauthorised people to fill the gaps left by registered service providers. While illegal taxi and minivan operators cannot be condoned, it is difficult to ignore the underlying reason why they have emerged. If the legitimate transport providers were offering quality services, the demand for illegal operators would diminish.

The situation of illegal public transport operators points to the need for stronger oversight and enforcement by police and the Transport Authority.

Equally concerning are the dangerous practices that continue to plague parts of the public service vehicle industry. Speeding, overloading, dragging, route violations and reckless driving place commuters and other road users at unnecessary risk.

DePeiza’s call for a “no-tolerance approach” is entirely justified. Public transport operators have a tremendous responsibility to shoulder. Passengers should never be caught between reaching their destination and doing so safely.

At the same time, enforcement alone will not solve the problem. There must also be a renewed commitment to professionalism, training and accountability among operators. The public deserves a transit system that is safe, reliable and respectful.

Another issue demanding urgent attention is the limited operating hours of many private operators. In a modern economy, transport cannot effectively shut down after 7 p.m. Many Barbadians work shifts in tourism, healthcare, security and other sectors that operate around the clock.

As DePeiza questioned: “How can this be allowed to obtain in an island that has a 24/7 business culture and prides itself on being world-class and an international tourism destination?”

His point is difficult to argue against. A country that welcomes visitors from around the world and promotes itself as a modern economy cannot afford a transport system that leaves workers stranded at night, on Sundays or during public holidays.

The time has come for a comprehensive review of the transport network. Piecemeal solutions have failed to deliver lasting results. What is needed now is a long-term strategy that addresses routes, scheduling, fleet management, technology, regulation and customer service.