PTSC chairman: No problems with gas for buses

Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) chairman Dr Vincent Lasse has said no problems exist at present with the fuel supply for buses after strike action at Petrotrin earlier this week. He was speaking at a luncheon for students who participated in PTSC’s vacation trainee programme, at the corporation’s administration building, South Quay, Port-of-Spain, on Wednesday. “We have no problems at this point in time,” Lasse said. “So far we have our stock here of diesel and of course we would be very forthcoming to make sure we have enough diesel for the buses,” he said. This followed in the wake of Oilfields Workers’ Trade Union (OWTU) president general Ancel Roget issuing a warning to the public to brace for gas shortages, three days ago, as Petrotrin operations were at a standstill.  This triggered panic buying and long lines at gas stations, especially in south Trinidad.

 

Lasse said 24 specially-outfitted buses, designed to cater specifically for the disabled, had arrived in T&T and by next week PTSC should have a handing-over ceremony. Lasse said the corporation anticipated that the Ministry of the People and Social Development will be very instrumental in the providing the service and PTSC may also use the various regional corporations from which the buses will be deployed. He said PTSC will, however, continue to maintain and do all the work concerning maintenance and upkeep of the buses. Lasse said the specially equipped buses should be deployed before the end of the month. Also present at the event on Wednesday were PTSC officials—deputy general manager, marketing and communications, Carl Ramdeo; general manager Ronald Forde; deputy general manager, human resources, Ishwar Jadoonanan; and deputy general manager, engineering, David Bartholomew.