Modern bus terminal, new routes proposed for urban city transportation

By Devina Samaroo

With over 8000 vehicles introduced on the roadways annually, travelling around the city is often a hectic experience for both users of private and public transportations.

As such, the Ministry of Public Infrastructure is developing a plan for urban transportation which will include the construction of a modern terminal at the Stabroek Square, the introduction of new bus routes and training for drivers of public transportation.

During a stakeholder consultation at Cara Lodge on Friday, Minister David Patterson underscored the importance of the sustainable urban transport study which his Ministry has been conducting since October 2016 with help from Brazilian experts.

“We recognize that we do have a transportation limitation, we do recognize that the city of Georgetown has served us well but the road network system has hardly ever been improved since we initially started the city of Georgetown,” Patterson stated.

He explained that of the approximately 8000 vehicles introduced to the roadways annually, about 65% of all traffic heads to the capital city.

“So you can well imagine the strain we add annually to Georgetown,” he remarked.

Minister Patterson said there needs to be a change in the model used for public transportation.

Brazilian consultants, who have been in Guyana since October 2016, proposed the construction of a modern bus terminal at the Stabroek Square. This terminal will have nine platforms with two assigned for alighting passengers and seven for boarding.

The consultant, who presented the proposal, Diego Cabalero, said the buses will be assigned to the platforms based on the frequency and regions served.

A proposal was also made for the implementation of timetables to define departure time of the buses from the terminal.

The Ministry is also hoping to redistribute the demand and supply by introducing new routes and redesigning existing ones. In fact, the study recommended 36 alternative routes and 4 new ones.

Additionally, the study proposes the establishment of close to 300 bus stops 300m apart.

Moreover, a training programme is being developed for drivers of public transportation and a proposal was made for an agency to be set up to govern public transportation on the roadways and waterways.

Other areas to be examined are parking management, institutional strengthening, and gender inequality in using public transportation.

Minister Patterson stressed of course that these are just recommendations and based on consultations with stakeholders including the Mayor and City Council, a decision will then be made on implementation.