Enough drama by air, plenty by sea

January marks the start of the traditional tourist season and Tobago stands to benefit from the misfortunes of the neighbouring islands, except that the journey to Tobago is still fraught with problems for travellers. The issue is that of an adequate transport system which integrates the air and sea modes and also includes the internal road network. Recent initiatives taken in the realm of transport include: rehabilitation of large parts of the road network; institutional strengthening of the Airports Authority, particularly in the security and safety-related areas; construction of the expansion and modification of the Crown Point International Airport; restructuring of the Port Authority of Trinidad and Tobago with Tobago having responsibility for the Port of Scarborough; and improvement of inter-island sea transportation services through the lease of a  ferry.

Simultaneous with the implementation of these initiatives, a comprehensive National Transport Study  is being undertaken with the objectives of: preparing a general diagnosis of the transport sector, including all transport modes and covering passenger, cargo and urban transport; identifying areas for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the sector and for the participation of the private sector in the provision of services and execution of works; and developing a national transport sector policy consistent with other public policies. In addition to the above, the scope of the study covers the development of a sector strategy and coordinated national transport plan; a training plan for personnel to continue the development and updating of the transportation sector policy and national transportation plan; and a short-term programme to address critical issues of land transportation. Within those objectives the major transport issues in Tobago regarding the road infrastructure and maintenance, the serious air bridge problems and the operations of the ferry service are expected to be addressed.

Road Transport
The focus with respect to road transport should be on the movement of buses, taxis and  private vehicles; traffic congestion; mass transit and parking problems. In the area of congestion and parking, a traffic management plan for Scarborough which was prepared in 2003 highlighted specific traffic management measures for Scarborough but these have not been fully implemented postponing the benefits to be derived. The major road network in Tobago is reasonably well developed and the new road construction underway will enhance this network. 

However, there is a need for a technical assessment of the structural and surface conditions of roadways and bridges in order to formulate programmes for improvement and maintenance. Under-funding of the transport sector and the road sub-sector in particular, will lead to  increased costs arising from rapid deterioration of road surfaces. In formulating the improvement programmes, management procedures regarding traffic safety, road classification, regulatory framework and enforcement, needs assessment, private participation in road infrastructure, and maintenance should be captured.  Proper maintenance is particularly important because it reduces vehicle-operating costs on the one hand, and extends the life of the infrastructure on the other.

Air Transport
Tobago has experienced rapid changes in air carriers between the two islands and an acceptable standard of service never developed. Thus air transport to Tobago remains inadequate in that the air link between Trinidad and Tobago and by extension, between Tobago and the wider world community continues to frustrate all users. This situation of the unreliability of the air bridge service daily impacts the operations of business and government in a negative way and will prevent the achievement of the stated tourism objectives.

While the air bridge continues to frustrate  travellers, improvement in international air links were recorded in 2003-2004. Positive results were obtained from the negotiations with major United Kingdom airlines, with three large carriers instituting regular scheduled services between England and Tobago. In addition, regional airlines, LIAT and Caribbean Star, now keep a window open to the rest of the Caribbean.  Further, negotiations with a major United States carrier opens up direct connections between North America and Tobago. This has the potential to boost the tourism industry through direct access to the North American market. The next critical area in respect of air transport facilities is the terminal building and back up services.

This was highlighted in the 1998 Report on the Crown Point International Airport Development Plan which identified the need for a new terminal building and related matters such as: sewage treatment, meteorological station, air traffic control tower and airport rescue and fire fighting, vegetation, perimeter fencing, telephone poles and parked aircraft. The current situation is that a contract was awarded for the upgrading of the Crown Point Airport at a cost stated as $100 million but delays are being experienced and yet another airport drama seems to be facing the population. Haven Allahar is a Project Development Consultant.