WILLEMSTAD – After seventy years of slow progress, the government of Curaçao is now actively working to modernize its public transport (OV) system, with major reforms planned by the end of 2025. This was confirmed by Chalrinela Corasol, policy advisor at the Ministry of Traffic, Transportation, and Urban Planning (VVRP), in a recent statement to local media.
“Only in the past five years have we truly committed to building a new and efficient public transportation network,” said Corasol. The current system, she noted, still falls far short of expectations.
New Plan: Big Buses on Main Roads, Small Buses in Neighborhoods
The updated approach envisions larger buses serving the main routes, while smaller vans operate within neighborhoods—creating a network where the two types of transport complement rather than compete. At present, many small and large buses run the same routes, leading to inefficiencies and overlap.
One major challenge is the lack of public trust in the system. Riders often face wait times of 30 minutes to two hours, prompting many to use private vehicles or ask for rides instead. Although the number of registered cars has dropped from 92,500 in 2020 to 82,000 in 2024, roughly one in every two island residents still owns a car.
Poor Infrastructure and Inconvenience Discourage Use
Earlier this month, residents from Bándabou wrote to Minister Charles Cooper calling for the renovation of bus stops or construction of new ones. Corasol acknowledged the complaints, pointing out that most bus stops are unattractive, lack shade or seating, and are often vandalized or neglected. Plans are now underway to install clear timetables at stops to make waiting more predictable.
Pilot Project Highlighted Need for Sustainable Solutions
A pilot digital bus stop was previously tested near Radulphus College. It collected useful data on waiting times and passenger demand but failed to account for sustainability. For instance, it lacked a power source—something that could have been solved by integrating solar panels. Future testing will focus on self-sustaining and eco-friendly designs.
While the ABC Bus Company already offers an app that shows real-time bus locations and schedules, Corasol emphasized that a similar system is needed for smaller vans to ensure seamless integration and user convenience.
Driver Shortage Another Major Hurdle
A shrinking pool of interested drivers is also putting pressure on the sector. Lernnerth Angela, interim director of the Traffic and Transport Execution Agency, noted that many bus drivers have lost interest, especially due to low profits in a fragmented commercial sector. “The times have changed,” said Angela. “People no longer take the bus to the city like they did 30 or 40 years ago. Even routes that were popular 15 years ago are now quiet, especially since the refinery shut down. Today, most people go to Mambo or Jan Thiel.”
To address this, drivers are now required to complete mandatory certification courses (A and B), which also teach entrepreneurial skills. “Drivers are business owners, but many lack business knowledge,” Angela explained. “We want to help them think bigger and understand what makes their service profitable.”
Next Steps: Implementation by Year-End
According to Corasol, the ministry plans to take major steps in June and July to finalize planning, aiming for execution by the end of the year. The high number of registered vehicles is a clear indicator, she said, that urgent improvements to public transportation are needed.
“The government is responsible for the mobility of every citizen,” Corasol stated. “Even the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals say that no one should be left behind—and that includes access to reliable transportation.”
