Government has introduced sweeping new regulations aimed at reforming the public service vehicle (PSV) sector, with a primary focus on improving road safety, curbing reckless driving, and fostering professionalism among operators.
One key provision is mandatory training and certification for PSV drivers and conductors, which will come into effect in October.
Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw announced the reforms on Monday following a stakeholder meeting at the Ministry of Transport and Works, underlining the urgency of addressing the industry’s long-standing issues
“We simply cannot afford to wait any longer,” Bradshaw said. “The PSV sector has been grappling with significant challenges for decades—issues of safety, accountability, and professionalism. The time has come to take decisive action. We need to ensure that everyone who operates a PSV understands the weight of responsibility they carry on our roads.”
The new regulations, which are designed to bring order among PSVs, will enforce stricter standards and ensure accountability at all levels. Bradshaw highlighted that the reforms are not merely about imposing rules but about transforming the culture within the industry.
“This isn’t just about implementing new rules—it’s about fundamentally changing the culture within the PSV industry. The safety of our citizens must always come first, and we will not hesitate to make the necessary changes to protect them,” she said during a press conference.
The acting prime minister, who is also Minister of Transport and Works, pointed to a recent incident in which a PSV driver was recorded overtaking vehicles on the wrong side of the road, endangering both passengers and other motorists. The viral video led the Transport Authority to swiftly suspend the driver’s licence for 14 days, pending a full investigation.
“We cannot allow such reckless behaviour to go unchecked,” Bradshaw stressed, adding that new legislation empowers authorities to act quickly and decisively in such cases to protect public safety.
Director of the Transport Authority Ruth Holder. (HG)
The reforms also seek to raise professionalism across the PSV industry. Bradshaw emphasised that the government had worked closely with stakeholders—including transport associations, the police, and insurance companies—to craft legislation aimed at restoring order.
“For too long, we have allowed bad behaviour to continue, which has eroded public trust in the system. These regulations are not about punishing people but about protecting the public and raising standards in a critical sector of our economy,” she said.
Bradshaw said the mandatory training and certification is crucial to professionalising the sector. The training will cover essential topics such as road safety, customer service, and traffic laws.
“This isn’t just about putting drivers behind the wheel; it’s about ensuring that those operating public service vehicles are trained, certified, and aware of the immense responsibility they carry. We’re talking about the lives of our citizens, and that’s a responsibility no one should take lightly,” the minister said.
The programme will also open pathways for young people interested in joining the industry, with introductory courses available to those as young as 16. This is part of the government’s strategy to build a pipeline of future PSV operators who will be trained and prepared to meet the sector’s standards by the time they reach the legal driving age of 25.
The reforms extend beyond drivers and conductors to place a legal responsibility on PSV owners to ensure that their employees are properly certified.
This measure aims to address a gap in the current system, where owners often escape reprimand for the actions of their employees.
“Owners are now legally responsible for ensuring that their drivers and conductors are certified. This legislation holds everyone accountable—owners, drivers, and conductors. It’s about building a system that prioritises safety above all else,” Bradshaw added. Director of the Transport Authority Ruth Holder affirmed the regulator’s commitment to enforcing the new standards. “This is not just a driver’s issue—it’s an owner’s issue as well. Owners must see this as an opportunity to protect their investments by ensuring that their vehicles are operated by individuals who have met the required standards. The public deserves a reliable, safe transport system, and this training programme is the foundation for that.”
In immediate reaction, PSV industry figures welcomed the government’s reform plan. Roy Raphael, chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), praised the regulations: “For over 30 years, we’ve struggled with the same problems, but these new regulations are a step in the right direction.”
Raphael also highlighted the AOPT’s own initiatives, such as the Safe Bus Programme, which discourages loud music and reckless behaviour.
Cecil Forde, vice chairman of the Association of Public Transport Owners (APTO), called the mandatory training “a long-overdue reform” that would provide PSV operators with the necessary tools to offer a safer, more reliable service. “Owners, too, must play their part in ensuring their employees are certified and equipped with the necessary skills,” he added.
Senior Superintendent David Welch of the Barbados Police Service also expressed support, noting that the regulations would help regulate the industry and improve road safety.
“We are committed to working closely with the PSV sector to ensure safer roads for everyone,” he said.
Looking ahead, Deputy Prime Minister Bradshaw insisted that the regulations are part of a broader effort to build a public transport system that the public can trust.
“This is not just a reform for today; it is about building a public transport system that can be trusted for years to come…. It’s about ensuring that the journey is safe, professional, and respectful for everyone involved,” she said.
(RG)
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