Following an open, amicable and successful round of talks, Thursday between the Government of Saint Lucia and the National Council on Public Transportation (NCOPT) agreements were reached in principle to the following:
1. Finalization of the 2013 bus fare review with a view to adopt new rates in July, 2022.
2. Continuation of existing duty free concessions on vehicles for minibus operators.
3. Continuation of the waiver of route permit fees for another term.
4. Establishment of a disciplinary committee.
In addition, the Department of Infrastructure, Ports and Transport, along with the Road Transport Board are in the process of implementing the Sustainable Road Based Transport Study.
Funded by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the study will examine new organization of bus routes, changes in the tariff system, renewal of fleet, new standards for bus stands, and regulation changes to improve the public transport system to meet the needs of users.
The plan will be developed through an inclusive participatory process, implemented through a set of workshops and surveys that will gather opinions and requirements of users, bus drivers, the respective associations, vulnerable groups and other stakeholders.
The project aims to develop strategies for a public transport system that is safe, reliable, affordable, comfortable, produces low or zero carbon emissions, and is socially inclusive, being gender-responsive and accessible to vulnerable persons.
Five objectives came out of this week’s meeting:
1. Review the policy, institutional and regulatory structures for operating public transport
2. Identify operational measures to improve the efficiency and quality of public transport
3. Develop recommendations for improved public transport infrastructure
4. Provide support to Government’s work on E Mobility consistent with the Framework of the Regional Electric Vehicle Transition Strategy
5. Promote the use of public transport, noting the numerous social benefits.
The exercise is expected to be completed by November 2022, with the view of implementation of the strategy by January 2023.