Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill yesterday announced that buses specifically designed to transport differently-abled persons will soon be introduced.
This initiative he noted was included in the 2024 national budget.
“We believe public transportation should primarily belong to the private sector, but we are taking steps to purchase buses to transport the differently-abled,” Edghill stated.
The Minister acknowledged that far too often, differently-abled individuals are left stranded or marginalized by an inadequate and unreliable minibus service. This new initiative aims to bridge that gap by providing a reliable and accessible alternative.
In addition to the initiative for differently-abled persons, Edghill outlined plans to improve safety and standards in river and road transportation.
Safer vessels
Regarding speedboats, the minister revealed that a consultancy is currently designing safer vessels. “We are reviewing designs to ensure the safety of our speedboats. Currently, most boats are uncovered, but we are working on enhancements to address this,” he explained.
On road transport, Edghill reiterated the government’s stance that public transportation should remain largely in the hands of private operators. However, he emphasized the need to advance discussions about maintaining standards for public vehicles.
“The conversation must move to the next level, focusing not just on the exterior appearance of these vehicles but also on the facilities they offer, especially for accessibility,” he said.
The Minister highlighted the role of the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security in implementing this transportation initiative. He noted that the government is actively working to adapt vehicles for differently-abled individuals, ensuring that public transportation services cater to everyone’s needs.
Meanwhile, the minister also addressed the issue of improving taxi services. He mentioned ongoing discussions about enhancing compliance and standards for taxis, especially in high-demand areas such as hotels and businesses.
“We are exploring how to modernize taxi services to meet higher standards of comfort and accessibility. This includes introducing legislation to ensure compliance,” the Minister noted.