Transport under Review - Part 1 - Congestion

It is clear that transportation is a very pressing problem in Trinidad today. The Government's proposals of water taxis and rail system needs to be commended even though they are really not very practical, the effort seems to be sincere enough. What Trinidad really needs is a network of inter-related systems that work towards reducing the traffic problem as well as providing adequate transportation for commuters. Here are a few recommendations and you can decide.

I remember as a school boy being pissed off when city gate was opened. It was much easier to just jump into a maxi at the designated corner on Independence Square but looking back it was actually a pretty good idea. The centralization of the maxi and buses greatly reduces the congestion on the streets and ensures a streamlined way of rotation for the drivers. However, there are many flaws in this system which needs to be corrected. Drivers must not be allowed to wait until their bus is filled before leaving the depot. They should be given a time limit and must leave even if half empty or face a fine. Furthermore, all state-run transport systems must be made to run on a pre-planned time-schedule, with arrival and departure times clearly sign-posted on the multiple stops throughout their designated journey. This is a proven, standard model for public transportation in Europe and USA and given our governing body's current preoccupation with attaining 'developed country' status, this should not be a point of contention. If you are not at the bus stop at the time the bus arrives, you wait for the next. This ensures a flowing stream of mass transport vehicles. We only hope that the planned rail-system, inherently designed to work this way, can actually function in tandem with the Trinbagonians innate 'tardy DNA'!

Fares must be standardized and a system must be implemented at national level, for all state-controlled public transport systems to offer free transport to the elderly, disabled, children and unemployed. Incentives to increase the levels of safety, efficiency and quality that private maxi-taxi and taxi drivers offer should encompass a major part of the re-distribution of the oil-wealth that the government talks about.

Car pooling must be implemented and enforced nationwide. The Government must recognize the importance of such a move in order for such a scheme to work. Car pooling has multiple benefits to the country on a whole, the main two being the considerable reduction of vehicles on the roads and the reduction of toxic carbon dioxide emissions generated by auto over-population. The State must undertake a comprehensive research and education drive in to the effects of pollution caused by toxic vehicle emissions in order for public awareness to increase. Trinbagonians are in general an understanding people, however, our laissez-faire attitude towards the environment must change if we are to sustain a healthy balance of life.

The bus route's use needs to be overhauled. This is an anomaly, in effect an under-used asset in our country. The bus route that currently exists can be used as a major incentive for car poolers, minimum of 5 occupancy per vehicle, easing the congestion on the Churchill-Roosevelt Highway during peak hours of transport. Car pooling lanes must also be created on the major highways in the country, with fine-toting officers placed strategically to offset offenders. The Police do not need to be the officers in question to deal with this, but an expansion of legal responsibilities of License officers - a dedicated branch of highway patrol officers can be created in order to control and regulate the nation's roads.

A ban on the importation of foreign used vehicles was issued by the PNM Government, a move that possibly did more damage to the small business entrepreneurs and the economy as a whole than created a reduction of vehicles circulating the roadways. Change of attitude should be the starting point of any state run initiative, however, the Government decided to jump in the deep end. An understanding of pollution, congestion and the adverse effects upon the country's psyche should be a constant drive being funnelled to the populace at all times. There should be an initial restriction of the number of cars per household, as it is unacceptably ridiculous for a family of 5 to have 5 cars in house. The uproar begins, the arguments of distance, time, traffic, general inconvenience are all symptomatic of simple ignorance of the bigger picture.

It is the duty of the State to provide this information, to forge this change of mindset in order to curb the unbearably escalating traffic on our roads. A family of 5 should be allowed to own 1 car. If you choose to buy a 2-seater roadster for your family of 5, then your stupidity is your choice, but not to the detriment of the rest of your neighbours. This problem is a cultural one that needs to be addressed now. As a people, Trinbagonians enjoy luxury, irrespective of its impact on others, or the country as a whole. We are a small island with big egos, and no one is saying we should be small-minded, but to be socially aware, we have to begin with ourselves, our personal needs.