News that the United Bus Association has adopted a colour code for different routes (see Saturday paper) is most welcome. This kind of system to help organise public transportation in St. Maarten makes all the sense in the world.
In addition, residents of Pointe Blanche received the good news that they will be getting up-to-now non-existent bus service. Of course, no mention was made of
other areas still lacking such, including Middle Region and Oyster Pond, but at least it’s a start.
The black off-duty sign is also good idea, so that people can easily see which buses are actually available. Hopefully the planned discussions with Government will go well so that the new policy can become the general rule, because the association does not represent the majority of bus owners.
The latter is somewhat regrettable, because being part of a joint organisation can be beneficial for the individual operators and the sector as a whole. For example, medical insurance is available and some who have paid the premium will receive it from September.
This newspaper has consistently spoken out against the idea of establishing a large bus company for reasons of efficiency, because of the impact that would have on what are now basically independent entrepreneurs and their families. Some no doubt would still get jobs as drivers there, but certainly not all.
However, maintaining the current set-up also entails a huge responsibility for licence-holders and their assistants to be true public transportation professionals in every way. The association’s efforts seem geared towards just that and deserve support.
