PHILIPSBURG--The United Bus Association (UBA) held an emergency meeting on Tuesday after the sudden news about the Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT) Inspectorate’s plans to begin public transportation controls today, Wednesday. The group wants to remind Minister of Public Transportation Melissa Arrindell-Doncher that there is an association in place for a reason.
The Ministry announced on Monday that inspections of public transportation vehicles and the continued inspection of school buses will commence today, Wednesday. All motor vehicles engaged in public transportation that have an inspection date prior to September 6 must be inspected.
Permit-holders are required to report for inspection at the Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre in Philipsburg between 9:00am and 1:00pm Monday through Friday.
“Why not begin with checking the fact that Taxi buses 395 and 174 are acting like pay buses and decided to be bus drivers and not taxi drivers. Where are the controls for that?” asked UBA Vice-President Leonard Hughes on Tuesday afternoon.
Hughes hopes the Control Unit will look out for those persons who are violating their permits.
“This announcement by the Minister is disrespectful to the Association and its members. The Minister has our contact and we could have easily gone to our members and even to persons who are not part of the association and inform them of the controls.
“This would have prepared all drivers for the controls, because if they go to get inspected, they will fail. Most parts are being ordered and these people need to make a living. Drivers have to go and find money to pay for inspection. Where is the leniency of Government? Isn’t Government there to help the people?” said Hughes.
Association President Claude Omeus said on Tuesday morning he went to find out if he needs to be inspected again, as he has a valid inspection card until 2018. “I spoke to the head of the Control Unit and he told me that even if my bus has no damage from the hurricane, I would have to pay the NAf. 37.80 fee for the re-inspection.
“I explained him that nothing has happened to the bus and showed controllers there. He told me that it is up to the Minister. I continued to make noise and they decided later that I do not have to pay the fee. What will happen to those other drivers who do not have damage, but still have to pay? Clarity is needed on the part of the Minister,” said Omeus.
The Inspection Department said via a press release Monday that safety in public transportation is the highest priority and cannot be compromised. Based on the traffic ordinance (LBHAM Personenvervoer) a vehicle cannot be put into service or reinstated into service without first being examined.
The same ordinance states that a public transportation permit-holder’s vehicle shall be inspected on behalf of the Minister after every major repair, collision or accident whereby damage was sustained. The fee for inspection of a motor vehicle is NAf. 37.80.
“Everybody in the country was touched by this monster hurricane last month and gas prices are higher than before. Why is Government squeezing us, the people? We have decided today in our meeting that we will send letters to all bus drivers and we will organise ourselves for next week to discuss this move from the Minister,” stated a very passionate Hughes.
Omeus pleaded to Minister Doncher to change the policy for the time being to accommodate these drivers who are hurting.
“If you have a valid inspection card, allow the bus owner to fix his or her bus in a specific time and allow them to get inspected for free once his or her card is not expired. We are all building back this country and Government should help and not squeeze hard-working people who are trying to survive,” he said on Tuesday.
The Association still hopes to be granted a meeting with the Minister to discuss these pressing issues affecting its members.
