Reports that government is preparing to discuss privatizing the Transport Board with the Barbados Workers Union (BWU) are circulating widely on social media. The speculation is being driven by images that Barbados Underground cannot verify. To date, Minister of Transport Santia Bradshaw has offered no official response.
The silence is telling. The public waits for further information.
(Thanks to Artax for the heads-up)
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@TB
Some may argue that your ‘existentialism’ perspective is unrealistic and simplistic when compared to the culture one is socialized into. Remember, it’s theoretically correct to say an individual has the right to do whatever, but is it really that simple?
@Disgusting …
Not sure potential investors (TB drivers) would agree with your ‘glib’ comment above. This is a significant investment with little historical data/information to recommend the transaction. Government’s sweetening of the ‘pot’ regarding concessions on charging etc appear at arms distance to be an off the seat offering. This is a fair comment based on what was made public so far. So we wait!
@ David
I think it was half current valuation instead of half price.
Why do u harp on driver . From what I read the TB workers will be paid out. They can pool the payments and come up with something similar to UCAL.
Again I for TB remaining as government but with incentives to increase productivity similar to SSA. example = quarterly attendance bonuses for drivers, small increases in bus fairs ( 5, 10c ever year or two) as wages goes up
Gloom and doom not holding government feet to the fire for financial. He doing his usual, looking for ever little excuse why something propose by government won’t work even though Artax try to point him in the right direction.
Meanwhile “Patel” probably crunching figures to see how many of the electric buses they can get their hands on
@John2
You really want to use UCAL as a model of success to recommend on the “prospectus “?
Jesus take the wheel.
@ David
When an individual wants to purchase a ‘second hand vehicle,’ doesn’t he/she require a valuation certificate from a reputable garage?
Many of those PSV owners who participate in the TAP were former Transport Board bus drivers, and they’re managing their businesses efficiently.
How does operating an electric bus suddenly becomes difficult to manage, especially when the required infrastructure will be available?
As it relates to UCAL, that entity has been contracted to repair government owned vehicles, and have access to the workshop located at MTW in the Pine.
Obviously, since their staff have the necessary training in fixing the BYD electric buses, I don’t believe there would be any ‘fall out’ for them, if the proposal becomes a reality.
LOL
At least John 2 and DL&PTV are seeking to put up a case in defense of the obvious madness. Interesting that we cannot hear a similar spiel from OFFICIAL sources, so that we KNOW what is planned… but this is the NORMAL modus operandi…
The FACT of the matter is that operating a national mass transit system is COMPLEX. It requires SKILLED, EXPERIENCED, TALENTED and COMMITTED staff and leadership.
FOR THIS REASON, it is imperative that a WHOLISTIC, long-term, visionary approach be used. THEREFORE a monopolistic approach is ideal.
This is why Rocklyn, Elite, and other PRIVATE concessionaires were dispossessed some years ago, and the TB created.
It is for example, also why electricity tends to be a monopoly situation.
Unfortunately, you then need to have your VERY BEST management talents in place to address the VERY COMPLEX issues that inevitably arise almost daily. Else there will be CHAOS… because it IS complex.
But our politicians only see opportunities to reward their respective yardfowls with ‘big picks’.
The results are…
HOPELESS, STEAL housing,
non working sewage systems,
brown water in St Lucy and frequently, none in many other places,
permanent pot holes
piss poor health services
education chaos
growing national debts
dying NIS
uncontrolled crime
etc
Do you REALLY think that divesting still-untested electric busses to drivers and conductors is a logical ’solution’ to the situation we face with TB?
Did selling BLP shares to EMERA address our situation with energy?
How come Republic Bank is BRAGGING about MILLIONS in earnings – a former NATIONAL bank that was seen as a burden by our politicians and sold for a song?
All the Trinis did was appoint sound management…
The ANSWER to all of the above is the same…
Wise community focused political action
Top quality management that is based on MERIT
Total transparency that promotes HONESTY and fairness
A long term VISION that benefits all of Barbados
Sell busses shiite!!
That is a knee jerk reaction akin to a drowning mia looking at a straw…
What a mess!!
Folks what the TB is proposing is a half ass measure that will not work, its that simple and here is why based on fact and not fiction.
Under what is proposed the charging facilities will be made available to the buyers. Who will be responsible for the maintenance of these stations to ensure they will always be in working condition? Are the current facilities adequate for the current volume of buses?
The BYDs came in duty free to government so the price to a buyer with a half dead battery, will relect this price and hence a fare of $3.50 may be viable on a good route. What happens when the buyer has to replace either the battery or the bus without duty free concessions? Will the $3.50 still be viable or should he then park the bus and go sell coconuts?
Has a study been done that even shows the viability of a bus that size in terms of fill rate over a route on a daily basis?
Where will parts for these buses be sourced from and has anyone looked at the cost of bringing even a set of brake pads out of China recently?
Has the state take into account that these BYDs have given their best service already in the first 3 years of ownership and that the next 3 will have more service cost than the first 3 years? It is therefore not fair to use the first 3 year cost as a reference to sell these units to a private owner.
This may work for government to offload an entity that is losing millions yearly, but from an investment standpoint, with little or no data being offered to the buyer as to profitability on a route and with the total absence of audited financials, this is nothing but a major gamble for any investor.
What I would say is sell the entity for what you can get for it as you can not demand a price based on the lack of audited financials. Secondly take the losses you were making yearly and dedicate a percentage of them towards the cost of social transport provided by the private transporters. At the same time do something about making sure the PSVS adhere to the blasted law! Implement a ticketing system for them with the payment of tickets at any police station in 24 hours from ticketing date, while creating an impound facility for those that fail to pay the tickets in the specified time. It works all over the world why not here?
There is no patch work available here. The cost of carrying the management of an entity like the TB has proven to be beyond the state, regardless of the party in power. Sell the entity and expand the private sector transport system with firmly upheld laws and penalties. Let us put an end to persons driving PSVS with 200 reports awaiting the court and bring this system into a functioning well regulated entity, without the heavy cost currently being passed on to the taxpayers.
@Artax
The blogmaster, as always, respects your views, particularly on the subject matter. However, a concern arises regarding the rapid pace of technological advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology. This raises the question of whether the same level of support from BYD will be extended to the proposed individual investor in terms of software updates, battery technology, and other relevant service support aspects of the transaction. This matter requires careful consideration and analysis certainly by potential investors for sure.
@Artax
The other issue we have not discussed is the extent to which individual investors will benefit for corporate discounts regarding replacement parts, insurance coverage etc. it is healthy to ask questions.
@ The Blogmaster
“Some may argue that your ‘existentialism’ perspective is unrealistic and simplistic when compared to the culture one is socialized into. Remember, it’s theoretically correct to say an individual has the right to do whatever, but is it really that simple?”
NOTHING IS SIMPLE MY DEAR BRUH – ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE 2 TAKE A SH11T & YOU’RE CONSTIPATED!!!
#MentalGymnasticsAside – I understand your position clearly, but let’s scratch the surface a bit more…
The more accurate view might be to say that existentialism & socialization theory describe different levels of human experience – given that socialization according to my eminent sociologist professor, #AnthonyGiddens, describes the “OBJECTIVE”
structures that shape us, while existentialism describes the “SUBJECTIVE” experience of having to live within/beyond those structures in a meaningful sense “OR NOT”!!!
Rather than being simplistic, existentialism offers the crucial corrective corollary that says: however much we’re shaped by culture, we remain responsible for what we make of that shaping, (REGARDLESS OF THE CHALLENGES WE FACE) – #Agreed??? The tension you’ve identified is real – but it’s the very tension that defines the human condition & the struggles that makes us “HUMAN” – above that of all the other lesser creation models!!!
HERE IS MY ARGUMENT AS SUCCINCTLY AS I CAN – WITHOUT BLOVIATING:
There is a profound philosophical question that gets to the heart of these key tensions in modern thought, regarding the issues of existentialist praxis; the mechanics of absurdity & the nihilism we see in postmodern society. (A SIMPLE EXAMPLE IS MURDER THROUGH GUN VIOLENCE IN BARBADOS & EVERYWHERE ELSE IN WESTERN POSTMODERN SOCIETIES FOR THAT MATTER)!!!
Let me break down why “EXISTENTIALISM” is often perceived as “UNREALISTIC” or “SIMPLISTIC”, while also defending its nuanced understanding of human freedom…
The existentialist mantra of “EXISTENCE PRECEDES ESSENCE” suggests we create ourselves through choices. But this dramatically downplays how much our language, values, & categories of thought are given to us by culture, economic conditions, family systems, & social structures that powerfully constrain possibilities; unconscious biases & our habitual patterns that are so deeply ingrained through “SOCIALIZATION”, which we’ve often radically underestimated its power!!!
The existentialist counter-argument doesn’t deny socialization – it reveals our relationship to it. The key existentialist insight isn’t that “SOCIALIZATION DOESN’T EXIST”, but that we have a relationship to our socialization. Even the most conditioned person must still live their conditioning – and in that space between our conditioning and our living of it, FREEDOM” (#WhateverThatBe), is the emergent phenomenon!!! Be in no doubt, David, existentialism is more sophisticated than it first appears even amongst some of our learned colleagues!!!
When J.P. Sartre opined that “”WE ARE CONDEMNED TO BE FREE”,” this can feel alienating to someone born into “POVERTY”, “OPPRESSION”, or rigid social hierarchies. The existentialist response – (“YOU ARE STILL FREE TO CHOOSE YOUR ATTITUDE”) can seem like philosophical bypassing of real life constraints!!!
However determined we might be biologically or socially, we experience life as making “CHOICES”. Existentialism takes this lived experience seriously rather than explaining it away!!!
Finally, most people don’t experience themselves as radically “FREE MORAL AGENTS” (EXCEPT WITHIN THE RELIGIOUS CONTEXT), creating values ex nihilo. We are embedded in relationships, traditions, & communities that give life meaning before we ever “CHOOSE” it. The existentialists call to authenticity is simple but not easy. As Kierkegaard noted, life must be “LIVED FORWARD” but can only be “UNDERSTOOD BACKWARD”. The “SIMPLISTIC” demand to choose yourself is actually the most difficult task imaginable!!!
This why we “MUST” choose “WELL” & above all “CHOOSE WELLNESS”!!!
#BeBlessed & #BeInspired
#HereEndsTodaysLesson
@ Terence
Explain your comment @ 9:10 am…
” ONLY FOOLS WHO NEEDS A CEREBRAL EXAMINATION WOULD EXPECT ANY FORM OF MEANINGFUL CHANGE THIS SIDE OF HEAVEN!!!
Throw in the towel, GUYS* – for all is lost, “FOREVER”!!!
~~~~~~~
Particularly following your epistemology exposition above on existentialism & socialization theory, it is confusing to accept that, should a society CHOOSE to adopt the appropriate existential rules, regulations and values, …then appropriate OUTCOMES are to be expected, in keeping with what true success means.
In which case, why would you advocate the ‘towel throw’ – rather than address and encourage the APPROPRIATE rules and regulations that WILL bring success?
Just asking for a friend, cause you is a fellow who uses even more complex academic jargon than does Pacha, …and as you know, Bushie’s cuss words are not THAT advanced…
LOL
Bro David
I never said or indicated anything about the success of UCAL. I am referring to the spin off from TB / how the former workers formed a company instead of going it alone.
I have not a clue about the success of UCAL but Artax just pointed it out it is still in existence so it must be providing a living for its shareholders
@John2
UCAL is not a model for success.
@THE BUSHMAN
Your critique is “EXCELLENT” but “ONLY” from a humanistic standpoint, based on “MANKIND’S RULERSHIP, SYSTEMS OF GOV* & THEIR eCONomic SYSTEM OF VILE, VIRULENT, PREDATORY CAPITALISM!!!
From a “BIBLIO-CENTRIC WORLDVIEW” – “ALL” is “DAMNED, DOOMED & LOST” “UNTIL” the “KINGDOM OF GOD” COMES!!!
#DanielTheProphet warns: In the dayz of those “KINGS” shall the God of Heaven set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed”…
#SaidCorrectly in the king’s English: Daniel 2:44 states that “In the days of those “KINGS”, the GOD* of Heaven will set up a “KINGDOM” that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people. It will “CRUSH” all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever”…
The “PRAYER” of #YeshuaMESSIAH who is #KingOfkings & #LordOfLords finally answered: THY KINGDOM COME – THY WILL BE DONE ON “earth” AS IT IS DONE IN “Heaven”…
WHO ARE THOSE KINGS TODAY?
#Trump et al (ALL THOSE DIRTY BASTERDS CRUSHED* & CONQUERED* ONCE & FOR ALL)!!!
This prophecy in Daniel refers to a “DIVINE EARTHLY KINGDOM” in our generation, established by God, distinct from earthly empires, which will ultimately “DESTROY” & “TRIUMPH” over all human powers!!!
READ DANIEL 2
The “TIMING” of this event is linked to this period of “FINAL EARTHLY RULERS”, whose time is “UP” – symbolized by the “10 TOES” of the “GREAT IMAGE” in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, representing the “NOW CONFEDERATING KINGDOMS OF THE GLOBAL NORTH & THE GLOBAL SOUTH”, who will war according to Zechariah 14:2 until their “BLOOD” runs in the streets of Jerusalem & around the world to the height of horse’s bridle!!!
The #ComingKingdom is described as being “SET UP GOD”, “NOT BY HUMAN HANDS”, emphasizing its #DivineOrigin & #EternalNature!!!
It will be “INDESTRUCTIBLE & EVERLASTING”, in contrast to the transient nature of “HUMAN” empires!!!
That is the worldview which I hold perspicuously to, based on “SURE WORD OF PROPHECY” & the “SIGNPOSTS” that are everywhere @the end of 2025 – as we reach that “COSMIC TIME” of confluence!!!
#HopeThatHelps
#BeBlessed & #BeInspired
You are generally sound.
However, God ALWAYS provides an outlier situation that DEMONSTRATES that there IS a way to success – even in the darkest gloom.
You will know of the references better than Bushie, but EVERY historical case of global wickedness and brassbowlery seems to have had a corresponding, if small, outlier element to it…
Noah,
Job,
Joseph,
And even cities – such as Sodom @ Gomorrah had Lot…
Bushie’s favorite, of course, is Nineveh, …Brass Bowls who ACTUALLY came to their senses…
Do you think it a coincidence that Brassbados, the first port of call of the Atlantic slave trade, is so small, wicked, and full of brassbowlery?
Perhaps there is a Jonah out there, currently ‘whale watching’ as we speak…
LOL
ha ha
What nonsense Bushie!
Quoting fictional characters from an ahistorical book to impose same on current realities.
Are there no outter limits to such brassbowlery?
Bush Tea
November 16, 2025 at 10:57 am
“The FACT of the matter is that operating a national mass transit system is COMPLEX. It requires SKILLED, EXPERIENCED, TALENTED and COMMITTED staff and leadership.”
“Unfortunately, you then need to have your VERY BEST management talents in place to address the VERY COMPLEX issues that inevitably arise almost daily. Else there will be CHAOS… because it IS complex.
But our politicians only see opportunities to reward their respective yardfowls with ‘big picks’.”
Again i will say “I ENT UNNERSTANNING YOU!!!!! YOU HEAD HARD OR SAIN???????.”
You are acting as we are organizing interstellar travel. We have the TB organizing mass transit for decades, we have licensed PSVs for decades literally doing most the heavy lifting in mass transit. The issue is the COST to the state to maintain the TB as is.
We are commenting BASED on the proposal posted. The TB will essentially continue minus the bus drivers, buses and other ancillary staff. Some of the management and super With no buses the TB via the state will not have to directly pay for the purchase or maintenance of buses. The TB will CONTRACT i.e. pay private owners to provide mass transit. Meaning they will be getting revenue outside of bus fares. The TB will handle the scheduling and routing. The fact that with the TAP system still thriving, i would infer that it is viable for some operators to partake in, notwithstanding what DavidBU stated with problems of late payment.
“FOR THIS REASON, it is imperative that a WHOLISTIC, long-term, visionary approach be used. THEREFORE a monopolistic approach is ideal.
This is why Rocklyn, Elite, and other PRIVATE concessionaires were dispossessed some years ago, and the TB created.
It is for example, also why electricity tends to be a monopoly situation.”
Sigh. Using the provision of electricity is a very poor analogy. The TB was created to shield the masses from being totally subjected to market forces determining fares and route serving. The fact that PSVs and the TAP system exist is proof that this monopolistic approach has failed. Let us face it , the simple fact is that for the TB to be less of a burden on govt AS IS, it would have to vary its fares and charge per distance travelled. A govt has to consider what effect this will have on Bajans. The proposal allows for Govt to still have control of routing and fares, but shed some of the significant cost of OPERATING the TB
Implement a ticketing system for them with the payment of tickets at any police station in 24 hours from ticketing date, while creating an impound facility for those that fail to pay the tickets in the specified time. It works all over the world why not here?
————————————-
Is the above a Fact ????
Here in USA if u get a traffic ticket u have the choice of paying the fine within a certain time or have your day in court
@Disgusting…
Is it rocket science to regulate the PSV sector? How has that been working out.
@ David
I’m NOT in FAVOUR of either selling TB or divesting its operations, nor am I against TB, or any other government owned entity providing up to date audited financial statements.
However, I’m PREPARED to discuss the issue REASONABLY and RATIONALLY, based on the information CURRENTLY AVAILABLE, while AWAITING ADDITIONAL DETAILS, rather than making assumptions to present arguments built on the ‘straw man fallacy.’
Although information in the three (3) page letter is LIMITED, some persons are asking questions that are clearly outlined therein, thereby indicating they did not read it.
David, you’ve made some very interesting points that should be given consideration.
“Regarding the rapid pace of technological advancements in electric vehicle (EV) technology,” I don’t believe TB will leave the prospective owners hanging.
As I mentioned previously, UCAL employees were trained to repair the BYD buses, and work is also outsourced to workshops specialising in EV repairs, such as Caribbean New Energy Vehicles Ltd.
Also, it’s a possibility TB may transfer the same level of support it received from BYD to the new prospective owners.
I also share your concerns with “the extent to which individual investors will benefit for corporate discounts regarding replacement parts, insurance coverage etc.”
As I’ve mentioned previously, information outlined in the three (3) page correspondence is limited, therefore we have to await any further details.
Other than DL&P TV, no one has considered “TB is not being sold, it is essentially being renamed and will no longer seek to own and operate buses.”
That the proposed operation could be similar to the TAP, whereby PSV owners are assigned to service different routes during the day, similarly to TB buses, and not CONFINED to a SPECIFIC route, similarly to ZRs and minibuses.
Additionally, if the proposal is accepted, where is the evidence to suggest there would be an AUTOMATIC CLOSURE of TB’s Weymouth, Roebuck Street Headquarters, and its four (4) bus terminals, (Speightstown, Princess Alice, Fairchild Street, and Mangrove), as well as the Oistins depot?
Or, the proposed entity, Barbados Mass Transit Authority, would not be responsible for route scheduling so as to ensure an equitable allocation of routes?
Hence, wouldn’t the operations require “security guards, cleaners, drivers, uniform makers, and other FELLOW BAJANS, whose lives, families, and very future, DEPEND on having these opportunities to CONTRIBUTE to national productivity?”
The Constitution River and Cheapside PSV terminals, for example, are maintained, and staff complement paid by ‘government.’
@Artax
Understand your points!
Remember, parties around the table will research to support preliminary discussions at the upcoming meeting with the government. Our discussions here, even if on the fringes sometimes, may be useful.
@Bushie
The relevant nature of “the Caves” was 1) it’s revenue was LESS than the annual Grant it received 2) it was one of several “experiences” (there was competition).
I suspect, the impetus of this “divestment” is the costs of the TB is likely 3x (or more) it’s revenue.
And for someone who is frequently focused on “productivity”, you seem to have pivoted to local opportunities, which at the TB over years of poor management decisions, has potentially blossomed into widespread waste.
My limited experience is bus transport can only be publicly operated when they have a monopoly. As soon as you allow a private operator(s), without significant level of enforceable regulation, the public entity fails. The private firms will focus on all the profitable routes, and attempt to dodge costly regulations. Shite man, without the TB do you even require Bus Stops?
I am willing to wait and see where this all goes. It’s fairly obvious union relations, given private entities avoid unionization, would be a major political concern.
David
November 16, 2025 at 10:19 am
“Not sure potential investors (TB drivers) would agree with your ‘glib’ comment above. This is a significant investment with little historical data/information to recommend the transaction”
I am not being glib. As with any business opportunity the bus driver would have to examine if it is worthwhile. I hardly think that it will all be a one bus driver per bus situation. Groups of drivers may take a bus or private investors may hire bus drivers as driver / advisors. The bus driver would have first hand knowledge of the routes i.e. which are more profitable, at what times the passenger traffic is busiest.
November 16, 2025 at 4:38 pm
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“Is it rocket science to regulate the PSV sector? How has that been working out”
PSVs are not operated centrally in the same sense. Operators are given licenses and “run the route” at their leisure. My comment was more to Bush Tea’s gab that we lack or will loose the expertise to centrally manage mass transit. The Barbados Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) will likely reengage some of the managerial and supervisory staff of the TB. For the proposal to work properly the BMTA MUST dictate routes servicing and times to ply the routes as is under the TB. The TAP system exists to fill holes in the TB servicing of routes. If not you will have a situation where certain routes will not be serviced especially late up until 12am.
The BAJAN GOVT is behaving as though “mauby pocket” BAJANS and transport board workers have MILLIONS of dollars in their SHALLOW POCKETS, to invest in a transport system which has been described as a collosal FAILURE. The 30 LOVE GOVT is trying HARD to please the remote IMF WATCHMAN. Meanwhile, the BAjans look on with a smile, wondering if they can borrow some expensive money to drive a JAPANESE hybrid, in order to stay as far away as possible from this upside down idea.
Source: Michael Howard
Let me tell you another reason I can’t see what is being proposed working. Let’s say you get people to buy all the buses and the TB can then clear its debts, where to from there?
Remember if any form of a TB continues it is going to need revenue, with the buses sold where will the revenue come from? So yes they can bill a charging fee for the buses sold to use, but that will in no way equate to what the TB are collecting now with the fare revenue.
My question to the TB is what exactly will you be as an operating entity without fare revenue and what do you see if any, will your presence serve going forward without the bus revenue? Can the TB therefore share with us what they see themselves contributing to the service under the above proposal?
This is why I believe it is either a clean break with a sale, or keep it as is and lose millions yearly. Again though with the absence of audits we don’t know what the gap is between revenue and expenses either.
@Dusgusting …
We can disagree. The chaos in the PSV sector is directly related to government’s inability to lead and is partly responsible for what has brought us here.
@ John A
Bushie agrees with you 100%.
This is such an obviously stupid idea altogether, that the fact that a few generally sane BU contributors are straining to articulate justifications for it, may suggest that we have some ‘consultants’ on board yuh!!
It reminds Bushie so much of the BAMC ‘divestment’ – where it seems that the government created a paper structure to PRETEND divestment, while handing over $50 million dollars in taxpayers money to the closed down BAMC last year.
So since there is no BAMC, WHO is going to account for that $50 million?
Admittedly it is less than the $60 million in HOPE that has NOT yet been accounted for, and we are still awaiting the details that were aborted when Atherley and Caswell were digging into the same TB in the PAC.
So clearly the scheme is to ‘get rid’ of the TB before any financial digging can continue.
@ Bushie
I willing to look at anything but in the end it got to be supported by numbers and logic. We’ll we ain’t got no numbers and I can’t figure out the logic, so I can’t really understand the plan.
What the TB needs to do is tell us what they see their future activities as being with no buses to operate and no revenue as such coming in. Also on a 3 year old bus under current depreciation allowed for audit, the vehicle would now be valued at 40% of purchase value. This makes the 50% they are asking overpriced, taking into account this is an electric vehicle with a half dead battery.
@ NO
“… for someone who is frequently focused on “productivity”, you seem to have pivoted to local opportunities, which at the TB over years of poor management decisions, has potentially blossomed into widespread waste”
~~~~~~~
Productivity and local opportunities are NOT mutually exclusive.
The ‘widespread waste’ is what we get when politicians focus on short-term political and personal gain, rather than long-term national goals.
…And when decisions are based on politics and friendship rather than on MERIT.
This CAN be changed.
A quote from Bush Tea.
“The FACT of the matter is that operating a national mass transit system is COMPLEX”
We are talking about an island that is 166sqm with a population north of 285,000. Barbados has one form of public transportation: the humble bus. One step up from the horse and cart. Buses are ubiquitous and are an international form of transportation employed by every single country in the world.
There is no complexity in running a bus service. The complexities arrive when you have a multitude of transport options. In London we have in an addition to buses, an underground transport service. We have an overhead train service, the tram, the DLR system operates in London, a coach service which connects cities and towns as well as an aviation system. In Paris, France you have in addition the RER system which operates below their underground metro system.
Bush Tea operating a couple of dozen of buses should be the equivalent of shelling peas. A republic should have no problem running a bus service for her people.
@ John A
I know the information outlined in the correspondence is limited, but did you actually READ it?
For example, you asked in a previous contribution, “Are the current facilities adequate for the current volume of buses?”
According to section 3 (viii) – “in the interim, the Barbados Transport Board will increase the number of charging stations.”
In your November 16, 2025, 7:42 pm contribution, you essentially focused on how TB would be operating going forward, how it plans fund such operations without fare revenue, and “what they see themselves contributing to the service under the proposal.”
I’m sure you’ve heard of the TRANSPORT AUTHORITY, the primary function of which is to plan, monitor and regulate the public transport system in Barbados.
In other words, Transport Authority is CURRENTLY the REGULATORY ENTITY for the public transport sector.
Section 2 of the correspondence clearly states, “The reform of the public transportation sector is predicated on the basis of the divestment of the Transport Board and the proposed establishment of the Barbados Mass Transit Authority to be the REGULATORY ENTITY for the sector.”
According to section 3 (iii), ‘Transport Board and Transport Authority employees will be impacted by the establishment of the Mass Transit Authority,’
This essentially means the MTA will REPLACE both TA and TB.
Transport Authority and Transport Board currently receive funding from the consolidated fund, SIMILARLY to any other state-owned enterprise.
If the proposed MTA replaces both TA and TB, then obviously MTA would receive funding from the consolidated fund as well.
As I mentioned previously, TA is currently the regulatory entity for the public transport system, and, in addition to planning, monitoring and regulating, its other functions include:
…… regulating and restricting the number of motor omnibuses minibuses and route taxis on specified routes
…… supervising the conduct of business in the passenger terminals
…… publishing current information on public transport services
…… establishing timetables to be observed by drivers and conductors of motor omnibuses minibuses and route taxis
If MTA succeeds TA, then those functions would be UNDERTAKEN by the proposed new entity.
“…operating a couple of dozen of buses should be the equivalent of shelling peas. A republic should have no problem running a bus service for her people.”
~~~~
@ TLSN
This is what inept politicians and their yardfowls tell themselves – when they are dividing up the ‘fatted calf’. …So then a reliable campaign manager gets the choice pick and a fat salary, and a girlfriend becomes HR manager.
Surgery is conducted ROUTINELY in hospitals world wide too… do you see any ‘complexity’ there?
…or have you noted that this is RESERVED for trained, experienced, PROFESSIONALS – who make it look easy as shiite? …just like the London Transport Board does…
A republic would have NO PROBLEM running a bus service … if trained, experienced, professionals operated in a meritocratic TB.
In 2025, even managing shiite – like running a sewerage system, or solid waste, are COMPLEX undertakings, …and needs to be respected accordingly.
Don’t get tied up wit the rhetoric…
@BUSHMAN
“You are generally sound…”
#WhatALovelyThought
However, in the overall scheme of things – my “ONLY” desire at this “TENDER AGE” is to be like my “SAVIOUR YESHUA THE MESSIAH” – “THE PRECIOUS ONE WE CALL JESUS THE CHRIST” & that in & of itself is “NO MEAN FEAT”!!!
I “FALTER”!!!
I “FAIL MISERABLY” most times!!!
I “PUT MY FOOT” in it too often to mention!!!
I “MESS UP” too many times to numbers!!!
Whether “ALL THAT” & “MORE” makes me “SOUND” is open 4 debate both in “HEAVEN” & on earth!!!
Be that as it may, when I look at the “LIVES” of the prophets – “TRANSFORMATION” eventually came – “IN SPITE OF” all that human propensities dictated!!!
So I “STRIVE” to “DIE DAILY” to self & all the “MEANDERINGS” human existence throws at me!!!
Tell ya’ what: “IF I THOUGHT OF MYSELF AS WORTH ANYTHING OF REAL SUBSTANTATIVE VALUE OUTSIDE OF “MESSIAH” – *ANY* #Soundness OUTSIDE OF HIM WOULD BE WORTH #PottyShat!!!
#MyGrandmaFavouriteExpression without “CUSSING”!!!
Bushie, if you want to know the “DEPTHS” of “EVIL” in our world – outside & beyond the “GENOCIDIAL MANIACS”, “HUMAN TROJAN HORSES OF DEATH & UTTER DESPAIR”, & THE “AVOWED WORSHIPPERS OF THAT SLITHERING, STINKING SERPENT CALLED SATAN & THE DEVIL” – see the beloved VT!!!
The “FIRST” few minutes will turns your “GUTS” & maybe that’s all you need to hear – for who take pleasure in “SATANIC RITUAL ABUSE” – given all the “CRAP” that’s hitting the fan @ end of 2025???
#StayTuned 4 (2026)!!!
THIS IS THE TIP* OF A SATANIC ICEBERG (SURELY YESHUA MESSIAH MUST #CrushThisSystemFOREVER)!!!
#BeBlessedBRUH* – have a “GREAT WEEK AHEAD & #KeepWhacking
#ImDone
@ Artax
I understand what you are saying but for all this to happen the disposal of the buses is the key. My point is this is going to be a major challenge for the reasons I outlined. Also outside of peak hours what load factor will these buses have? If I can see the ZRs driving at 20 mph and peeping up every gap at say 11.00 am on many routes, what will the load factor be for a much larger vehicle? The sale of these buses will have to take place with the sale of a route, hence guaranteeing the driver income, but then after that what is his chance of making a dollar? He will have a much larger vehicle with a way higher replacement cost than a ZR, while having to compete with them on the same route. If say a 30 seater ZR at 11.00 am has 8 people on average in it, then a 50 seater vehicle on the same route at that same time will also be competing for these eight passengers.
This is not only a problem for busses but for any form of transport. Look at how the airlines for example have replaced the Jumbos with smaller more fuel efficient planes. I mean there is no harm in the TB trying what they propose out, but in reality I can not see it being that attractive to an employee to take up such an offer for the reasons I have outlined.
Do we have traffic management system where statistics on the various routes will be available? What about a plan by the Transport Authority to manage the issuance of permits etc?
If what wunna are suggesting is true, that is that the plan is to divest the busses to private owners and let the TB become the regulator, then we should be able to use the current TAP program as a pilot study, to assess the viability of such an initiative.
Has the TAP solved the problem of inefficiency in the areas where it has been implemented?
Are those TAP owners providing a reliable transport NATIONAL service? …or is the TAP just seen as an extra source of income when tours and other bookings are slow?
Te main benefit of TAP is that it allows the politicians to point fingers at the owners when consumers complain. It is a POLITICAL master move.
What Barbados need is a well planned national transportation plan, with long term visionary solutions, phased targets, full transparency and professional leadership.
Anything else, and we will continue to get the same lotta shiite that we see in practically EVERY THING that our inept lawyer/politician/economist class clowns have produced since the days of Tom.
@ John A
You haven’t given the forum any specific or definitive reasons why the proposal can’t work, unless you’re suggestion asking hypothetical questions are those reasons.
You cannot make a reasonable comparison between a route taxi or minibus ‘dragging’ on a specific route, and an omnibus, to which DIFFERENT routes are allocated.
You mentioned, “the sale of these buses will have to take place with the sale of a route….”
Not necessarily, especially if the proposal is modelled on TB’s operations of providing a SCHEDULED SERVICE.
Remember, the proposal is to divest TB’s operations.
Look at the TAP, for example, whereby some former TB bus drivers invested their severance payments in purchasing minibus and ZRs that are registered to service ANY route that is controlled by TB.
So, a guy could make a trip to St. Patrick’s, for example, and on his return to the terminal, he could be sent to Sam Lord’s Castle.
Bear in mind, privately owned PSVs are assigned to SPECIFIC routes, herein lies the difference.
Obviously, there will some routes that are not profitable, which could be addressed by an equitable allocation of routes.
Under the proposal, I could purchase an omnibus and report for duty at the Princess Alice bus terminal, let’s say at 5:00 am.
Let’s assume Connell Town is one of those routes that has an hourly service.
I could make the 6 am trip to Connell Town, another bus owner makes the 7 am, another guy makes the 8 am, 9 am, 10 am…… etc.
On my return to the terminal, I may be sent to service a ‘short route,’ such as Cave Hill, at 8:30 am.
However, we have to look at expenses, such as liability insurance, repairs & maintenance, supplies & materials, etc., which, for an omnibus, will obviously be high.
The buses will be sold at half THE CURRENT VALUE not half the price they were bought for
The State will cover twenty-five percent (25%) of the Replacement Cost of the rechargeable batteries through a Sinking Fund; bus owners will bear responsibility for seventy-
five percent (75%) of the Replacement Cost of the batteries
@ Artax
Ok I can agree with what you are saying to a point. Let us be fair though and also agree running a large BYD bus will cost substantially more than a diesel Toyota ZR would. So let us by extension agree the cost of the private owner transporting a passenger in his BYD bus, would have then to be higher than the cost of the competition using a Toyota ZR. Reason being cost of replacement battery and vehicle, age of vehicle etc.
Once we can agree on that let’s then move to a break even point per trip. This would mean on the same route a BYD bus may need 25 persons to break even where as the diesel Toyota may break even on 11 persons. One could say ok the solution is to put the BYDs on the busier routes and give the smaller vans the quiter ones, thereby assisting the BYD owners with a better fill rate. Would this be fair though to the other guys? In my view if the playing field is going to be level for all, then the business must be fairly divided. The question then becomes are the BYDs ideal for our market or should we have more buses but smaller? In other words more smaller units per route. All these concerns an investor should have entering into this. The other concern is if I buy a BYD now with a 50 percent battery life, can I pay for it, make a living over the next few year and also put aside enough money to buy the new battery when needed? If it was me and I had to take a chance, I would more risk one of the smaller older TB buses that are diesel powered. The investment would be smaller and even if I had to rebuild the engine in 3 years, it would not cost me what a battery for the BYD would cost. Also with the BYD I Have the AC unit maintenance which I would not have with an older bus.
Artax I am not saying I don’t see what the TB is trying to do, at the same time I am also saying that any potential buyer needs to not be sold on the sweet talk but do their homework carefully and run the numbers tight. They also need to realise that their success will depend on government to some extent, as they will maintain the charging stations etc. Based on how they operate are you as a buyer comfortable with this?
“The buses will be sold at half THE CURRENT VALUE not half the price they were bought for”
What is your point?
What the TB needs to do is tell us what they see their future activities as being with no buses to operate and no revenue as such coming in. Also on a 3 year old bus under current depreciation allowed for audit, the vehicle would now be valued at 40% of purchase value. This makes the 50% they are asking overpriced, taking into account this is an electric vehicle with a half dead battery.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Correcting misinformation
What is half the value of a free gift bus from China?
If TB cannot make a go of a free bus from China, and we are saying that John Doe, a humble bus driver from Bank Hall can, then what exactly are we saying about TB?
…and why would they qualify to OVERSEE a new arrangement being paid for by private investors?
…and if the PROBLEM is an incompetent TB, why not FIX THAT problem up front – rather than come up with nebulous shiite proposals, that make even less sense than passing tint laws in response to Trini-styled murders?
What a warped place!!
Well let’s be fair and understand the position the state is in over the Transport Board.
On one hand you have the IMF snapping at their heels to offload the TB, but on the other hand they also know how powerful the bus ad was for the opposition with the “old lady and paying for a ride.” Talk about being between a rock and a hard place!
Poor Ryan Straughn nearly got roasted alive by his peers for stating the obvious just recently. Wunna see how fast the big boys come in and do damage control! I always said Straugn was a good economist but too disciplined financially to be a good politician.
So all the above brings us to this latest brain child where it is hoped it will sell well. If it does it SHOULD keep both the IMF and the vote safe. Sell it right and say “Its an opportunity to make the small man an entrepreneur” bla bla bla and the vote should be safe. Show the IMF the buses gone and the TB is just a regulatory board now and they too should be happy. How many employees the TB going keep though? Anyhow forgive me for digressing. Back to the point now.
As to the viability of what is being offered I can only wonder how much thought was given to this proposal. This is a case of buyer beware and look past the window dressing and see what’s inside. Time will tell how well it is received, but I can tell you it is filled with uncertainty and government dependency for recharging. Anyhow some men got bigger stones than others and may take the risk who knows.
@John A
Are we still operating under an IMF program?
David I am not sure but they are never far away. They got cheap money and we love piece of borrowing, so you know the saying “don’t burn your bridges.”
Also this ain’t no case of blaming the Bs cause the Ds could do no better a job neither. The state does not need to own a company to transport its people. All it has to do is act as the regulator and ensure laws and contract terms are upheld. Make sure the shite on the roads with the PSVs stop and let the private sector invest their money and not the state funds.
Duhhhhhhh
@ David
@ John A
I agree with you that “the state does not need to own a company to transport its people.”
Barbados is among the few regional territories that have state owned public transportation.
In the other islands, transport is serviced by the private sector, while government controls bus fares.
However, I’ve read a few studies and working papers that indicated privatising public transport doesn’t work, for various reasons.
According to a video documentary I watched, rail privatisation in the UK, for example, saw a considerable increase public in subsidies.
There wasn’t any evidence to suggest actual privatisation resulted in better passenger satisfaction, and that, over the years, a number of rail companies had their franchises revoked due to abysmal performance.
There are always ‘pros and cons’ to any issue.
Unfortunately, information pertaining to the TB proposal is limited, therefore, we’re forced to make uninformed assumptions.
Also, even based on the currently available information, I’m a bit SKEPTICAL about the divestment’s success, perhaps based on some of the reasons you raised, and more so after discussions with a few bus drivers I know.
A bus driver told me that he and several of his colleagues are not interested in the proposal. He said the batteries of the BYD buses “cost just as much as the bus.”
I’ve mentioned in previous contributions to TB topics that the BYD units do not have shocks absorbers, but are fitted with electronically controlled air suspensions, making them unsuitable for our ‘pot hole filled roads.’
Hence, suspension problems.
The following information is important:
“In places like Barbados, the physical infrastructure (narrow or poor-quality roads) has raised concerns about the large size and weight of the BYD K8RA models causing potential damage and maneuverability problems.”
“Charging infrastructure capacity and reliability have also been mentioned as a challenge.”
Another concern I’ve also mentioned in this forum, is the length of time it takes to fully charge a BYD, and its mileage range thereafter.
One could pass Weymouth at any time during the day, for example, and see at least 12 BYD buses being charged. That means 12 buses out of service, and I’ve not included Mangrove depot or Speightstown terminal……
……thereby not only decreasing the availability of buses to service routes, but, under the proposal, depriving bus owners of fare revenue.
Concerns have also been raised about whether or not there may be a need for generators, which use diesel, whenever there is a power outage, though that does not occur often.
TB could easily offset any resulting loss of income, by supplemental votes from the consolidated fund, an option not available to prospective bus owners.
In other words, whereas taxpayers cover any revenue losses TB incurs, the new bus owners have to assume the burden of financial setbacks without external assistance.
Bus drivers, as ‘hands on employees,’ are actively and directly involved with the units, and I’ sure they’re aware of maintenance problems.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.