Govt makes 25-seater maxis cheaper

Before the end of this month, half of the persons who now hold Priority Bus Route passes would have them withdrawn. Speaking at a post-Cabinet news conference yesterday, Works Minister Franklin Khan said he had obtained Cabinet approval to cut the number of temporary PBR passes from 850 to 450. Included in those who would no longer enjoy this facility would be chairmen and CEOs of some State enterprises, some religious leaders and other high profile personalities. Khan said a more “robust system” was being put in place for the temporary PBR passes, which were issued at the discretion of the Minister of Works.

Describing this move as part of a plan to improve the use of the bus route as a mass transit system, Khan announced that PTSC had ordered 12 special new buses, each with a capacity of 110 persons and 25 conventional buses to beef up its capacity on the route. The minister announced specific measures to encourage the phasing out of 12-seater maxis and the increase in 25-seater maxis. They are: the removal of motor vehicle tax on 25-seater maxis (making them much cheaper to buy);  prohibition by the Licensing Authority on the transfer of H-rights except in cases where the transfer involves a vehicle of greater capacity; specific prohibition on the transfer of H-rights from 25-seater maxis to 12-seater maxis; immediate issuance of 100 PBR passes to 25-seater maxis.

Normally 350 permanent passes are given to MPs, members of the judiciary and members of the diplomatic corps. Khan said icons such as Wendy Fitzwilliam and Ato Boldon, were also given passes. In addition to this there are 1,000 maxi-taxis with PBR passes. Khan said government believed these measures would have a positive impact on the traffic situation on the East-West Corridor in the short-term.