Transport Board Barbados: New buses, new route, and shorter commutes

Barbados: The Transport Board is pleased with the performance of its fleet of electric buses in Barbados.

Chief Operating Officer Lynda Holder stated they are so happy with the buses that they have bought another 14 to add to the 33 imported last year. These additional units are expected on the island in a few months.

She stated to the House of Assembly this afternoon during respective debate on the 2021-22 Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure that there had been not any mechanical or electrical dispute since the buses were pressed into service.

Holder said the buses had been well obtained by the disabled community, who had been consulted before the purchase, which resulted in such facilities as wheelchair ramps and buses that kneel to penetrate easy access by persons with mobility challenges.

One issue still to be addressed, she added, is the quietness of the buses, but the presence of Wi-Fi facilities and GPS allows-the board to know exactly where each bus is at any time.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer of the Transport Board, Fabian Wharton, revealed that with these buses’ presence and the inclusion of private operators under the Transport Augmentation Programme, the board is now making significant adjustments to its routes to serve the needs of commuters better.

The board has initiated a Bathsheba to Gall Hill service to facilitate population from the eastern corridor who wish to take benefit of the extended opening hours of the David Thompson Polyclinic in St. John, along with the “southern circle” route that starts and ends in Oistins, covering much of Christ Church and St. Philip in the process.

Barbadians are also getting benefits from a new route or way Holetown to Bayley’s Primary School in St. Philip, as well as a service that travels via Orange Hill in St. James and Mount Brevitor in St. Peter.

According to the CEO, these new ways or routes are designed to reduce commuting time and increase national productivity.

Click here for more news