Roy Raphael News Today

Chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), Roy Raphael, has hailed a largely successful 2023 in the transport sector and remains optimistic about next year. Raphael reviewed how the year went for public service operators in Barbados for the NationOnline. “It was great. We would have seen a number of persons catching our public service vehicles (PSVs) as well as our taxis. When you assess the situation particularly …

Chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT), Roy Raphael, has lamented the dearth of activity in Bridgetown after dark, believing it is limiting the earning potential of public service vehicle operators. In a recent interview with Nation News Online, Raphael called for the reawakening of nightlife in the city. “Hopefully, next year we will call on the Bridgetown Revitalisation Committee to have a meeting with them, because obviously …

By Emmanuel Joseph & Shamar Blunt On the day that a surprise work stoppage by Transport Board employees crippled transportation in the country, the leading public service vehicle (PSV) organisation has hinted at possible industrial action over an outstanding issue with the Government. Chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) Roy Raphael sounded a warning to the Minister of Transport,

The year 2022 began with the dark cloud of the COVID-19 virus hovering over the island; 262 people had succumbed to the virus and there was a curfew lockdown in place. Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) were operating at a reduced capacity and mask wearing was mandatory for commuters. To add to their frustration, gas and diesel were retailing at $3.99 and $3.34 per litre, respectively, which meant a drop in …

By Shamar Blunt Chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) Roy Raphael, says the association will meet soon with public service vehicle (PSV) operators who work the Bridgetown route to discuss how a more reliable service could be provided for those travelling during the night.  Raphael says the present situation is a distressing one for commuters, who are often left

Officials of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) are urging the Government to meet with representatives of the sector regularly so lingering issues can be resolved once and for all.In fact, communications, information and marketing officer Mark Haynes and chairman Roy Raphael told Barbados TODAY that privately-owned public service vehicle (PSV) operators were at their wits’ end as far as longstanding issues plaguing the industry were concerned.Raphael again served notice that his or...

With the new term set to begin on Tuesday for thousands of students, the island’s main public service vehicle (PSV) representative body is warning that operators will not tolerate fighting or any other bad behaviour on their minibuses and ZR vans.And the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) is calling on parents and guardians to play a greater role in ensuring their children are well-behaved.Mark Haynes, communications and information officer with the AOPT, said he was tired of receiving...

Ahead of the expected busy back-to-school period on Monday, police officials from the northern division are determined to maintain order at the Speightstown bus terminal.Head of the Northern Division Operations of the Barbados Police Service Assistant Superintendent of Police Janice Ifill and a team of 20 police officers took steps to ensure that public service vehicle (PSV) operators were in compliance with the road traffic laws and regulations.This, said Ifill, was in response to several compl...

The head of the body representing owners of private transport has rejected the idea of government regulation of their routes and workers’ salaries.Responding to the suggestion made by a government senator, Chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) Roy Raphael told Barbados TODAY the sector would have to be heavily subsidised, similar to the Transport Board, before any consideration could be given to regulating pay.During his contribution to debate on the Road Traffic (Amendmen...

Frustrated by persistent public complaints about the lawless behaviour of some Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) workers, the owners will be taking a proactive stance by launching the Safe Bus Initiative in the New Year.Chairman of the Alliance Owners of Public Transport (AOPT) Roy Raphael revealed, on Thursday, the organisation’s intention to embark on a campaign that encourages commuters to ride only on designated “safe buses” which will be identified by a special sticker.“These [operator...