Confusion over transfer of PBR passes for maxis

They expressed shock that Works and Transport Minis- ter, Fitzgerald Hinds, seemed to be reneging on an “amnesty” granted to them in January 2015 under the People’s Partnership (PP) administration.

Under the amnesty, a group of Route Two maxi owners were given permission to sell their maxis, with the understanding that the Minister of Works and Transport would subsequently transfer their Priority Bus Route (PBR) passes to the new owner.

Red Band (Route Two Maxi Taxi Association) maxis operate along Trinidad’s east-west corridor; from Port-of-Spain to Arima, with the PBR serving as a key segment of their route.

All vehicles operating on the PBR must have a PBR Pass.

Prior to the 2015 General Election, three-quarters of those on the list received their PBR transfers.

However the remaining 60 or so persons have spent the past year waiting on Hinds to sign their transfers.

“(Regarding) the socalled ‘amnesty’ policy initiated under the former regime,” Hinds said in his speech, “the Act provides that the Minister shall authorise maxi taxis to use the PBR subject to conditions as he thinks fit. Over the years, there has been misuse of these permits by owners who have been granted permission to use their maxis on the route.” Hinds’ speech was read by Permanent Secretary (PS) in the ministry, Clint Ramcharan, at the launch of two 18-seater OEM CNG maxis; one Green Band and one Red Band, at City Gate, South Quay, Port-of-Spain.

Reacting to what they understood to be a “shocking” end to their amnesty, Executive member of the Route Two association and maxi taxi owner/operator, Deloris ‘Marisa’ Martin, said, “It is very heart-wrenching. I am a single parent, with two small children.” Seeking answers, Martin and several others asked Ramcharan what was going on. He said Hinds never meant to imply such, rather, Hinds was seeking to inform other maxi taxi owners not to expect similar treatment.

Ramcharan explained that Hinds sought a legal opinion to ensure “he properly understands” the amnesty before meeting this past Tuesday with the ministry’s Legal Officer about signing off on the transfers.

“You will receive your transfers,” Ramcharan assured the Route Two members.