Crack Down Campaign on Delinquent Bus Operators Begins

Contact: John Emmanuel

Monday, February 14, 2000 – The Traffic Department of the Royal St. Lucia Police Force from Tuesday, February 15, 2000 is to go on full alert in cracking down on delinquent mini bus drivers and operators. Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, Earl Bousquet, says the crack down comes in response to several terms agreed upon by government and the National Council on Public Transportation at their last meeting in 1999.

Mr. Bousquet says, "It was agreed that owners of vehicles operating in violation of the regulations regarding payment for renewal of permits for the period 1997-1999 would have a deadline of up to February 15, 2000 to comply. Secondly, that the approximately 200 mini bus owners applying for routes for the period 1999-2001 would have up until March 30, 2000 to fulfill all requirements under the regulations."

According to the Press Secretary "It was also agreed that those in arrears since 1995 would pay sums owed at both rates, that is, the previous rate of $250 and the new rate of $700 for a two year period which would have added up to $950. The fourth aspect of the agreement is that only those currently operating the routes would be able to reapply."

The final aspect of the agreement involved the payment of a rebate on fuel consumption. The Press Secretary says that was fulfilled when seventy-eight thousand dollars ($78, 000.00) was handed over to mini bus associations for distribution among their members.

Mr. Bousquet says the crack down is another attempt by government at ensuring a proper, smooth and working public transportation system in St. Lucia.

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