Chaguanas' first inner borough Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) bus service was launched yesterday. The new service between Chaguanas Main Road and Price Plaza runs hourly and makes eight stops. The fare is $3, which is less than the $7 charged by taxi drivers.
The launch at the Chaguanas Market car park, opposite the PTSC terminus on Main Street, Chaguanas, was attended by Transport Minister Stephen Cadiz, Mayor Gopaul Boodan, President of the Chaguanas Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Richie Sookhai, Vincent Lasse, PTSC chairman, and Ronald Forde, PTSC general manager.Cadiz told the T&T Guardian: "This is very much a first for Chaguanas. The area never had this round the town service before.
"Just like how Port-of-Spain and San Fernando have inner city bus services, we decided to provide Chaguanas with the service, as well."Cadiz said the service is part of plans to move Chaguanas from borough to city status and several other inner city services are coming to the area."We are having three other services, from Chaguanas to Endeavour, Edinburgh 500 and Joyce Road."He said expansion of PTSC's services would mean a need for additional drivers.
Cadiz said Chaguanas is the largest residential community in T&T, with 110,000 people living in the area."I think the services will be well patronised."Asked how the service will impact taxi drivers working the Chaguanas to Price Plaza route, the minister said it will just be another option for commuters, who may also continue taking taxis when they have to.He noted that PTSC buses were the safest mode of transport in T&T with a very good track record to prove it.
