WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao has a new group of residents qualified to enter the public transportation sector after two groups successfully completed the “Rijdend met Kompas” professional training program in August.
The program, organized for prospective taxi and bus drivers, is intended to raise professional standards within Curaçao’s public transportation sector and prepare participants for their responsibilities when transporting both residents and visitors.
According to the Ministry of Traffic, Transportation and Urban Planning (VVRP), participants received training in public transportation legislation, customer service, communication in different languages, tourism, negotiation and professional etiquette.
The course also covered other skills considered essential for providing passengers with safe, reliable and high-quality service. Completion of the program is required before participants can work in the sector.
This year, the program was expanded with a pilot first-aid training course for all participants.
Drivers were taught how to respond to emergencies including choking, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness and cardiac arrest.
VVRP said the additional training recognizes the important position of public transport drivers, who are in daily contact with residents and tourists and could be among the first people present when a passenger experiences a medical emergency.
“Rijdend met Kompas” is an initiative of VVRP in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports (OWCS), the Curaçao Tourist Board (CTB) and Nostra Growth.
OWCS is responsible for helping safeguard the quality of the training program. Certificates issued to successful participants are recognized and accredited in accordance with applicable educational standards.
The Curaçao Tourist Board has also contributed to the professionalization of the public transportation sector through both the content and financing of the program.
VVRP congratulated the newly trained drivers and thanked the organizations involved in making the latest training rounds possible.
The program forms part of broader efforts to improve the quality and professionalism of Curaçao’s taxi and bus services, particularly as public transportation providers often represent one of the first points of contact between visitors and the island.