Solutions needed to curb TT’s traffic dilemma

THE EDITOR: From my observation, it seems that motorists, cyclists, pedestrians and other regular road-users are all severely hit by the very tight traffic frequently experienced on their journeys to and from destinations. People are always frustrated over the fact that our roads are inadequate to meet the current onslaught of vehicles. Everyone is wondering if we are going to wait until travelling becomes as unmanageable as the escalating crime situation. Becoming frantic will only aggravate the problem. I am calling upon those responsible for the nation’s roads to extend and expand them safely by ensuring rigid observance of highway codes. We must carefully assess the problems and solve them with the use of appropriate resources.

Coming first to mind is the fact that many people travel to and from the city every day. Regardless of the direction, the flow of traffic is tremendous. We must use our resources to the greatest possible advantage. We must be alert and keep looking for improvements. In this regard, I do not hesitate to recommend the opening of a route from the Caroni bridge on the Uriah bridge on the Uriah Butler Highway which goes across the mangrove, passing through Bamboo Settlement, to the area of the Lighthouse in Port-of-Spain. This will indeed help north-bound traffic immensely, leaving the road clear to Arima and Curepe vehicles. The contemplated engineering feat to be built at the intersection of the Churchill-Roosevelt and the Uriah Butler Highways, may become superfluous. We may even get inspiration from the various means used today to cross the English Channel. Aquatic speed boats on the Gulf of Paria could prove to have great potential for ferrying commuters between San Fernando and Port-of-Spain.

Also of note is the Washington DC - New York route which is serviced by trains which leave every fifteen minutes. Could we re-introduce this means of travel in our country? New roads should, as much as possible, be intersecting areas where agriculture could be enhanced.  This would encourage farming, which would in turn, decrease unemployment levels and the exorbitant prices of certain foods. The UNC administration was proposing a highway from Kings’ Wharf in San Fernando to Mayaro Beach. What a fantastic idea! They were also proposing a railway system from Rio Claro to Barrackpore. Accomplishing these plans would be a great blessing to employment and agriculture — a field in which we have untold dependence on imports, but which also has great potential for expanding and diversifying our economy.

SALER AMEERALI
Chaguanas