00:00Major reforms are coming to Trinidad and Tobago's transportation and aviation sectors.
00:06That assurance came from Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Eli Zakou,
00:11during his feature address at AmCham TNT's annual general meeting at the Hilton Trinidad on Friday.
00:17Transportation is not just about a public utility.
00:22It is a business enabler.
00:23In today's competitive global landscape, the ability to move people and go efficiently and safely
00:29is what separates high-performing economies from stagnant ones.
00:35Zakou said traffic congestion is more than an inconvenience.
00:39It's a drag on productivity, mental health, and business costs.
00:44Among his proposed solutions, the removal of traffic lights on the east-west corridor highways,
00:49increased traffic warden patrols, and greater use of real-time data to manage congestion.
00:54We are taking decisive steps.
00:56Enhanced collaboration between the traffic management branch and the traffic warden division.
01:02Increased presence of traffic wardens in key areas.
01:06Real-time data from the National Transport Management Centre to give smart, evidence-based interventions.
01:13And continued investments in digital systems to streamline road usage and improve flow.
01:20On public transport, Zakou announced the upcoming launch of a PTSC network operations centre
01:26designed to give commuters live updates on traffic and bus arrivals.
01:31The fleet will also expand with new buses and routes to improve access and reliability.
01:37Turning to aviation, Zakou said Trinidad and Tobago must be prepared
01:41for the safe integration of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles, especially for commercial purposes.
01:48As we modernise Gronk transport, we must prepare for the integration of drones in the national airspace.
01:56Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles are no longer futuristic.
02:00They represent real commercial potential across sectors, such as logistics, agriculture,
02:07infrastructure monitoring, and public safety.
02:09Under new regulations, all drones weighing over 750 grams and capable of speeds above 40 meters per second
02:17must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority.
02:21Consultations with commercial drone operators are underway.
02:25Zakou also addressed recent incidents at the Piako International Airport,
02:29revealing that police presence has been ramped up and a permanent police post is being established.
02:35He further announced that Trinidad and Tobago is formalising new air service agreements with Rwanda,
02:42the Dominican Republic, Brazil, and Colombia, expanding international travel and trade opportunities.
02:50On road safety, Zakou detailed a three-pronged national strategy focused on education, enforcement, and engineering.
02:58He confirmed that a long-awaited review of the national transportation policy is ongoing,
03:03with updates on the demerit point system expected soon.
03:07Prashanna Pagu, TV6 News.
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