00:00Well currently I am up here with the engineering officer. We make regular visits in order to ensure the fleet
00:06is up to scratch. We are currently doing a fleet refurbishment exercise. We are also working with the Tobago House
00:13of Assembly. It's in its embryonic stages to do some public-private partnerships in order to improve the reliability of
00:19the service to Tobago.
00:21The current fleet in Tobago is nine, with a proposed fleet increase to a total of 11 operational in two
00:29weeks.
00:30So definitely in the future we are looking at an MOU with PTSD so that we can look at the
00:37number of buses we provide, the types of buses, because you know if you are going to the north side
00:42like Castara and into Charlottesville, you would need smaller buses rather than the big buses.
00:47Transportation Secretary Natisha Charles-Panton said, the Chief Secretary's vision for a more efficient transportation service in Tobago remains key.
00:57I think that the Chief Secretary's vision of creating a reliable, sustainable transportation system on the island, I think his
01:05vision is worth the while. And I think it's the beginning of a remarkable journey with the Division of Public
01:12Infrastructure and Transportation and the people of Tobago.
01:15And with a more reliable transportation service in Tobago, the future aim is towards the reduction in the use of
01:23cars on the roadways.
01:25We have to look at ways not only to reduce pollution, but to come together and reduce the number of
01:35cars on the road, definitely. So we have to look at how we can better provide transportation for the people
01:44of Tobago, reliable, safe.
01:47Meantime questioned on the timely payments made to maxi-taxi drivers who transport school children in Tobago.
01:54Generally, the payment is on time. We are working to improve the numbers and the reliability of the service and
02:02to improve that service delivery.
02:04But we are working with the THA at the moment in improving the contractual relationship that is being looked at.
02:11And over the next couple of months, that should be finalized.
02:13A temporary bus terminal opposite the Port Mall is envisioned by the authorities, in addition to a bus terminal east
02:22of Scarborough.
02:23Elizabeth Williams, TV6 News.
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