PTSC unveils US$100,000 bus

The board of PTSC, invited guests and the media, were treated to a test drive of the bus from Port-of-Spain to San Juan. As the Titan launched out of the bus terminal, passengers were startled when one of the rear view mirrors accidentally scraped a metal bar, but it was smooth sailing onwards to San Juan.

Champion, which is headquartered in Miramar, Florida, specialises in commercial buses that are used as city or tour buses. The line ranges from its signature model the Titan, to its Micro Champion minibus.

The Titan is manufactured in China and has a seating capacity of 50 passengers and is the largest of the fleet, approximately 12 metres long and about 14 feet high.

Below the bus is a huge luggage compartment, while passengers are seated on a higher level. The Titan is equipped with two television sets, white reclining seats, adjustable armrests, lighting and aircondition controls.

Other unique features include a button at the side of the seat, which allows a passenger to slightly move his seat away from the passenger seated next to him/her, and the bathroom at the back of the bus. There are curtains on the windows for passengers who prefer to travel in privacy.

Chairman of PTSC Ethelbert Paul said members of the board decided that TT was in need of buses and looked for all plausible avenues for the acquisition of buses.

The bus will initially be used for executive charters, until the PTSC board decides on the route it would take, and whether it would be used for public transport or as a tour bus. The bus will also be used in advertisements and other income earning revenues for the benefit of PTSC.

Paul is hopeful that the board would agree to approach Govern-ment for funding more buses, once the vehicle has proven to serve the purpose which it is intended to.

Executive director of Champion Transportation of America, David Werba, said the Titan is the first of its kind in TT.