AOPT Renews Call for Improved Working Conditions at Transport Hubs Amid Adverse Weather Challenges

The Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) has renewed its call for improved working conditions at two key transport hubs, following recent adverse weather.

AOPT Chairman Roy Raphael highlighted flooding at the Constitution River Terminal and inadequate shelter at Sea View, also known as the Lower Green vanstand, as pressing issues that have remained unaddressed despite years of campaigning.

“We are concerned about the flooding of the River terminal; we would have asked for that matter to be addressed. When there is lots of rain and flooding no one comes into the terminal so this needs to be addressed,” Raphael said on Monday. He noted significant flooding had occurred following a tropical wave the previous day.

The chairman described how the area has historically flooded with inches-deep water, forcing vendors and others to improvise with plastic palettes and other materials to create makeshift walkways.

Raphael also emphasised the need for proper infrastructure at Sea View, calling for terminals to be erected there and in Six Roads, Warrens and Oistins. He advocated for recreational facilities at both River and Sea View terminals, stating, “We are also calling for recreational facilities at River and Sea View, where the operators can have somewhere to eat their lunch instead of parking on the hospital pasture to eat.”

The AOPT is also seeking reforms to the permit-issuing process, with Raphael expressing concerns about potential biases in the current system. “We are appealing to the government to review the interview process of gaining your PSV permit,” he said, suggesting that applicants should provide business plans, proof of training, or indications of financial backing. “The Transport Authority could be receiving about 75 to 100 applications per month. There are not a lot of permits available but to ensure there is no favouritism there should be some structure. People who get permits should have a business plan, some level of training or some document from a lending agency indicating an interest to finance a vehicle. We are aware of people with permits that do not have vehicles.”

Raphael further called for changes to permit ownership rules to make permits transferable property. “We would also like ownership of permits. As it is, government owns the permits and we would like this to change,” he explained, noting the substantial fees involved – $12 500 for a minibus permit, $6 500 for a ZR, and $2 500 for a taxi. “If we are paying this type of money, you should be able to pass it on to your family member.”

sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb