Dear Editor,
I recently read comments from a Caribbean traffic engineer who suggested that public transportation should be made “sexy” to commuters and operators to alleviate traffic congestion. This is an outrageous statement with no relevance to infrastructure development, and it makes one wonder if the speaker misunderstood the nature of the forum.
While the engineer did mention affordable fares and scheduling, true progress requires a more practical approach. We could learn from the public transportation system in Suriname. Their system utilises mini-buses rather than vans, operates from a central hub at the city market, and follows specific routes and schedules with assigned stops. Most importantly, these buses are safe and maintain a respectful environment for passengers.
Safety and security must be the primary focus to make public transportation appealing. When commuters feel secure from accidents and crime, they are far more likely to use these services. Prioritising these fundamental elements, rather than using inappropriate buzzwords, is what will truly keep our transportation systems running smoothly.