Secretary of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities, and Transportation, Councillor Tashia Burris, argued that a Tobago Public Transportation Company is needed to address the numerous transportation issues on the island.
Burris elaborated on the objectives of the company, explaining that it intends to incorporate the best international practices. The administration aims to leverage technology, invest in the island’s human resources, and propel Tobago into the future. She also emphasized the potential benefits of increased cruise ship visits to the island, with the goal of enhancing maxi and taxi services and providing adequate service to the rural areas that currently lack sufficient coverage from the PTSC.
Minority leader Kelvon Morris refuted the idea. He said that the plan provided no direction and stated that Councillor Burris did not outline the challenges faced concerning public transportation nor how the company would resolve them. He drew special attention to the THA Act 40 of 1996, which emphasizes that companies providing public transportation services should enter into a memorandum of understanding with the assembly.
Morris believes that if there is an issue within the relationship concerning how these entities provide services for Tobago, then the memorandum of understanding needs to be strengthened, as it is the document that governs this relationship.
Despite the lack of support from the Minority Council, the motion was passed and the Tobago Public Transportation Company will be formed.
