Talks underway to address overcrowding on public buses
The government said it will be revisiting a decision to allow public buses to operate at full capacity, due to a steady increase in coronavirus cases over the past few days.
Information Minister Melford Nicholas revealed on Thursday that talks are being held with the General Manager of the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board (ABTB) and members of the Antigua and Barbuda Bus Association to discuss possible incentives for drivers to cushion the financial impact that will arise when they operate at limited capacity.
The reduction of taxes on fuel is one of the possible incentives that is currently on the table. The matter was discussed at length during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting.
Commuter buses too packed; health official calls on gov’t to provide relief
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The nation’s commuter buses are being filled to capacity with passengers, and the government should intervene with gasoline assistance to bus drivers in order to have reduced riders on account of Covid-19.
The call came from the Chief Health Inspector Sharon Martin during an appearance yesterday on Observer Radio’s Voice of the People.
Martin, who is one of Observer’s Persons of the Year for 2020, said bus drivers are allowing too many passengers on their buses, with scant regard for social distancing, and this is a potential stumbling block in the fight against the spread of the coronavirus.