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  • 5 months ago
Less traffic, more buses, and tighter drone rules !. Big changes are on the way.. promises Transport Minister Eli Zakour, who says it's time to modernize how we move in Trinidad and Tobago.

Vishanna Phagoo reports.
Transcript
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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