To report to Minister afterwards
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - MINISTER of Public Infrastructure the Hon. Ian Liburd, who is also responsible for the public transportation sector, said he would not get involved in the matter with bus operators until the Transport Board makes the necessary recommendations.
Bus operators plying all routes in St. Kitts had planned industrial action for Monday (Feb. 20) but after a general meeting amongst members the evening before, a decision was taken against it.
They cited the fact that correspondence leaked to the media – which was to have been circulated among bus operators only – was the main reason to back pedal on the strike action. This is because it was felt that the impact of the action would have been significantly reduced because of the leak.
Passenger bus operators and owners are aggrieved because – as they claim – attempts to have meetings with the relevant authorities to “iron-out” concerns, continue to go unheeded.
Addressing the situation at the Government’s Town hall meeting last evening (Feb. 21) at the O'Jays Gas station, Minister Liburd explained that he - and by extension the government - fully supports the role both taxi and commuter bus operators play in the country.
However, he raised several questions about fare increases for passengers travelling late in the evenings and challenges faced by commuters who live in rural areas; should they pay more to be taken to their homes?
The Minister noted “that discussions must be had about them”.
To this end, he indicated that “the issues of the bus drivers and the taxi drivers are being addressed through the dictates of the legislation”, that is the Vehicles and Road Traffic Act and subsidiary legislation.
That piece of legislation calls for a Traffic Safety and Public Service Board, which has all of its members appointed, the Minister disclosed.
“I can also report that I have spoken with the Chairman today (Feb. 21) of that board, and they are going to meet next Tuesday (Feb. 28) to deal with the issues as it relates to road transport, traffic safety, public service vehicles and public service drivers, amongst other things.
“The board is also mandated to advise the Minister on transport rates, fares, tolls, dues and other charges. So I would await that advice from the Board in terms of dealing with the issues that face us.”
Hitting back at drivers for the complaints, Minister Liburd pointed out that the government has been investing millions of dollars in the sector, highlighting the $6M pumped into the development of a modern terminal for buses plying the East Line, as well as improvements to the facility for those on the West Line.
“I must say, that although the government is spending millions of dollars on the improvement of these facilities, they come at no cost to the bus drivers, owners or the taxi operators.”
Further, he reminded those complaining that the government has given concessions of 45% of CIF.
“In fact, duty free concessions in the amount of 45% is granted to taxi owners and bus owners. And this is 45% of the CIF value. So, government therefore forgoes a high amount of revenue - in the millions - to ensure that commuter buses and taxis are here to provide a very essential service for us as a country.”
The bus drivers are still contemplating taking actions until they have an audience with the Minister to have their problems resolved.
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