Rogue public passenger transport operators are to come under closer scrutiny as the Transport Authority will shortly deploy 50 additional inspectors along with evidence-gathering devices to build dossiers on repeat offenders in the system with the intention to revoke or deny applications for licences or badges.

This was stated recently by Transport Minister Daryl Vaz in a statement in Parliament.

“This strategy is in line with the Authority’s firm commitment to purge the sector of individuals who simply refuse to comply with the law. This will ensure that law-abiding and professional operators can continue to deliver public transportation services without the stigma of being branded lawless,” Vaz said.

The minister, who was appointed to the portfolio in May, also disclosed that the Authority has met with the police and wrecker operators from across the country and agreed on a proper rate structure for services provided.

“This will address the issue of exorbitant wrecking fees charged by some wrecking service providers. A standard operating procedure will be developed, as well as an agreement, which will be signed by all parties. The approved rate structure will be published in the media so that the public is aware of the approved rates,” Vaz shared.

And, he said the advanced implementation of phase two of the rationalisation of bus and taxi operations in Half-Way Tree is now underway.

“This will see the buses use the transportation centre and the taxis use the Spencer James Avenue to board and un-board passengers,” he stated.

Vaz also announced that the Transport Authority has invited applications for PPV Licences to operate large coaches of 45 seats and above on the St Thomas to Kingston and Mandeville to Kingston routes.

In terms of ensuring good order on the nation’s street the transport minister said the Authority has collaborated with the police to increase compliance enforcement activities right across the country. This, he said will also ensure that operators obey the laws and prioritise commuter safety. He said ‘Operation Transportation Streamline’ was launched last Monday.

In the meantime, the Transport Authority has prepared a draft document introducing a rural school bus system that will be presented for critical stakeholder discussion shortly. Vaz said this should bring relief to school children in rural parishes.