Some bus routes
still un-serviced
~ Association says it can’t force drivers ~
PHILIPSBURG--The Bus Drivers Association says government needs to appoint drivers to service those routes that are currently not being serviced.
Plying un-serviced routes, such as the loop around the St. Maarten Medical Center, was one of the measures that went into effect along with the new bus fare system on November 1. However to date, routes such as Sucker Garden and the hospital area are not being serviced by bus drivers.
Bus Association Public Relations Officer Changa Hickinson said while its members have agreed to service these routes, the association can’t force drivers to ply them. “This is something that must be regulated by government. No one can compel a driver to service these routes. The routes need to be assigned to specific drivers,” he said in a telephone interview on Tuesday.
“We are willing to service all the routes, but it makes no sense to do it on our own, because we have no control over people who operate in a free enterprise system. The system is lacking official follow up,” Hickinson said.
He said too that while Transportation Commissioner Louie Laveist “has good intentions” for the public transportation industry, the Association has been waiting for some time already for the official fare sheet on an official letter head and signed by the Lt. Governor to post in their buses. “We need this to inform the public from an official point of view about what the fares are.”
Asked about persistent complaints that some buses fail to pick up senior citizens above age 65, possibly because they are now expected to travel for free, Hickinson said: “There may be legitimate or illegitimate bus drivers who are responsible. It is a concern, but we need to have stricter controls and we need the fares clearly outlined.”
He extended Season’s Greetings to all commuters who use the public transportation system.
