FOD seeking major overhaul of public transport system ​

The Friends of Democracy (FOD) has launched a comprehensive engagement initiative aimed at addressing critical vulnerabilities in safety, professionalism, and service reliability across the public transport sector, 

​The opposition group is currently conducting a series of high-level consultations with commuters, industry operators, and transport representatives to gather firsthand data on the systemic challenges plaguing the sector.

In a statement, FOD’s spokesperson for Transport and Works, Jamal Martindale said the primary objective was to move beyond mere political commentary and deliver actionable, long-term policy solutions.

​A central theme emerging from the initial discussions is the urgent need to overhaul safety protocols for both the travelling public and transport workers. 

Martindale noted that the proliferation of pirates across the island presented a severe risk to citizens, particularly regarding legal protection and insurance coverage.

​”The issue of illegal passenger transport must first and foremost be viewed through the lens of public safety.

“Passengers who enter unlicensed vehicles may unknowingly place themselves at significant risk should an accident occur, particularly where proper passenger liability insurance is absent. Every Barbadian deserves the absolute assurance that when they board a public transport vehicle, they are travelling in a properly licensed, regulated, and insured service,” Martindale said.

​However, he said safety was a dual-sided crisis, highlighting the increasingly perilous conditions faced by legitimate transport workers. Drivers and conductors operating public service vehicles (PSVs) have reported a worrying rise in criminal targeting, particularly after dark.

​”We must also acknowledge the safety concerns faced by many licensed operators. Reports of robberies, assaults, and other criminal activity continue to impact drivers and conductors, particularly during evening operations. 

“These valid concerns must be taken seriously if we are to build a safer and more reliable transport system for all,” Martindale pointed out.

​To combat these threats, the FOD is advocating for an immediate modernisation of the network’s infrastructure. The group is calling for enhanced surveillance systems, fortified security partnerships with law enforcement, and robust emergency response mechanisms. 

Furthermore, the opposition party believes that fast-tracking the modernisation of fare collection systems to reduce the volume of physical cash carried on vehicles will act as a major deterrent to criminals.

​Beyond physical security, the consultation highlighted a pressing demand for elevated professional standards within the industry. 

The FOD is lobbying for the introduction of mandatory training programmes for all public transport operators and owners. This proposed curriculum would encompass customer service, first aid, conflict resolution, passenger care, financial literacy and public safety awareness.

​”Public transport operators are often the first point of contact for thousands of Barbadians every single day,” Martindale remarked. “Because of this vital public role, they should be equipped with the necessary skills to serve our citizens professionally, safely and effectively.”

​The opposition also turned its attention to the stark imbalance in service distribution across Barbados. While lucrative corridors experience high frequencies of service, rural and peripheral communities remain severely underserved, particularly during off-peak hours. 

The FOD maintains that any future restructuring of the network must be strictly data-driven to ensure equity of access for all Barbadians, regardless of their geographic location.

​In a bid to resolve the issue of unregulated operators, the FOD expressed optimism regarding the cooperative attitude of current industry stakeholders. Rather than adopting a punitive approach, the opposition supports a structured framework to legalise informal operators.

​”We are encouraged by the willingness of industry stakeholders to work constructively with individuals currently operating outside of the regulated system. 

“We support efforts to encourage those operators to become licensed, insured, and compliant with the law so that they can contribute positively to the national transportation network while protecting the safety of the travelling public,” Martindale said.

FOD confirmed that consultations will intensify over the coming weeks as they look to finalise a comprehensive transport policy framework.

​”The men and women who transport thousands of Barbadians to work, school, medical appointments, and back to their homes every day play a critical role in our national economy and in the daily lives of our citizens.

“They deserve our recognition, our full support, and a transportation system that truly works for everyone,” Martindale said.

(RR)