This follows numerous instances of public transportation causing collisions on the nation’s roads due to faulty brakes or other issues.

President of the National Association of Driving Schools, Kingson Jean, says bus drivers have become too lax in ensuring their vehicles meet safety standards.

“Because the ministry is not conducting tests on minibuses, we cannot ensure that they meet the minimum requirement to be on the road. So you go on a bus and you see the brake light on. That should never happen,” Jean lamented.

President of the National Council on Public Transportation, Godfrey Ferdinand, disclosed that the Organisation is in talks with the Ministry to reinstate inspections.

He explained that inspections were a common practice, but it dwindled after the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The operator is supposed to bring their vehicle for inspection, which has not happened since during the time of COVID. So these operators would have just gone to the garage and the garage would inspect them,” he said.

Ferdinand adds that vehicle inspections would be on a more frequent basis.

“Now there is talk for us to reintroduce the inspection of buses on a more frequent basis. So instead of every year, it will be every six months.” 

He says the Council will meet with stakeholders to devise acceptable standards for public transportation.

“We are about to have meetings to discuss with the Ministry and the police about what would be accepted by [them]. And as well, Insurance Council, we would have to engage them also,” he said.