WILLEMSTAD - According to the Minister of Transport and Traffic, Zita Jesus Leito, Curaçao’s public transport is in critical condition. The law that includes public transport is very outdated and obsolete compared to developments that have taken place in recent years.
The minister indicates that a committee 'Public Bus Transport Curaçao' has been set up to develop new policy for public transport in Curaçao and that national dialogue is currently being held with all partners about the problems within the sector. The objective is to present a new system that is supported by everyone.
Public transport in Curaçao is currently offered by small, medium, and large buses. The medium-sized and large buses belong to ABC Bus Curaçao and the small buses to private individuals. A proposal is currently under discussion examining the option of introducing an integrated public transport system. This may mean that small buses are included in the Autobusbedrijf Curaçao. This proposal was also discussed during the national dialogue, says Jesus-Leito.
Earlier this year, the minister announced that there are 360 permits for small vans, 40 for large buses, 200 for taxis and 15 for touring cars. "Everyone is in each other's waterways," said the minister. "Small buses function as taxis, taxis take tours with tourists, tours offer package deals and act as taxis."
The government subsidizes ABC Busbedrijf for an amount of 9 million guilders to guarantee low rates and 7 million guilders to drivers who take care of school transport. At the same time, 360 vans are licensed. “These drivers indicate a route they drive and there is no further control and the drivers are not bound by anything. They drive on hours as they see fit, but it is not a reliable service.
There is absolutely no efficiency and no insight into the service of the small vans. This requires an evaluation system to be set up and information to be collected,” said Jesus-Leito. By accommodating the small vans in ABC Busbedrijf, she believes that a better service would be provided. The minister does not want to comment on a possible transition period.
