In a step towards improving public transport, 45 public service vehicle operators have graduated from a comprehensive training programme aimed at boosting service standards, safety, and professionalism.
The initiative, backed by key institutions, marks a crucial effort to address long-standing issues such as overcrowding and accountability, with participants and stakeholders alike expressing optimism about its potential impact on the industry’s reputation and commuter experiences.
The Barbados Community College (BCC), the National Transformation Initiative (NTI), and the Transport Authority collaborated on the training programme.
The training included modules on customer service, road safety, insurance regulations, CPR training, defensive driving, and workplace wellness, and was met with enthusiasm from participants.
On Sunday, during a graduation ceremony held at the Jean and Norma Hospitality Institute, BCC principal Annette Alleyne emphasised the importance of continuous professional development across all sectors.
“If we are to remain at the cutting edge and consistently deliver the highest level of service, ongoing training is essential,” Alleyne said. “We are proud to have partnered with the NTI and the Transport Authority to offer this high-quality programme.”
Director of the Transport Authority Ruth Holder echoed these sentiments, stressing the vital role of PSV operators in national development. “You provide an essential service to the Barbadian public,” she said. “Your job is critical—not just in transporting passengers, but in ensuring their safety and fostering a culture of professionalism on the roads.”
The NTI’s director, Dr Allyson Leacock, highlighted the importance of personal responsibility in shaping the transport industry’s reputation. She acknowledged that while some challenges remain, the commitment demonstrated by participants signals a positive step towards transformation.
“We spent time addressing some of the deep-rooted issues within the sector, including accountability and overcrowding,” she said. “Change requires ongoing dialogue and collaboration, and it is encouraging to see PSV operators embracing this process.”
Participants expressed appreciation for the training, citing its practical applications in their daily operations. Speaking on behalf of the graduating cohort, PSV operator Trevor Springer underscored the need for unity and self-regulation among transport professionals.
“We have to hold each other accountable,” Springer said. “This training has given us valuable knowledge, and it’s now up to us to put it into practice—to shift from seeing this as just a hustle to recognising it as a business.”
Roy Raphael, chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport, said on Monday he welcomed the training opportunities for workers in the industry. He noted that it will be important going forward to monitor the effectiveness of the training programme by checking if rowdy behaviour decreases over the next few years as more operators are trained.
(SZB)
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