DEOCHAND RAMJIT SINGH
DURING MY recent visit to New York with my wife, who is originally from there, I had the opportunity to experience a public transportation system that is efficient, reliable, and accessible.
The contrast between New York’s well-structured transport network and the dysfunctional system in TT highlights a critical issue that we have neglected for far too long.
Public transport is not just a means of getting from point A to point B; it is a vital pillar of economic development, public safety, and environmental sustainability. Yet, despite significant government spending, our transportation system remains inefficient, unsafe, and unreliable.
New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates one of the world’s largest public transit networks, serving approximately 3.6 million passengers on an average weekday across its subway and bus systems. The subway alone consists of 472 stations, covering 245 miles of track, and operates 24/7, ensuring that citizens have continuous access to safe and affordable transport.
In contrast, the Public Transport Service Corporation (PTSC) in TT, which was allocated $276 million in the 2023 budget, struggles to provide even the most basic level of service. The fleet is outdated, routes are inconsistent, and buses frequently break down.
According to official data, PTSC serves roughly 50,000 passengers daily, a tiny fraction of our population of 1.5 million. This means the vast majority of citizens rely on private transport, including unregulated and often unsafe PH taxis. The result? Traffic congestion, inefficiency, and increased crime risks.
New York has invested heavily in making public transport a viable alternative to private car ownership, which has contributed to reducing urban congestion and air pollution.
Meanwhile in TT, lack of a reliable transit system has forced citizens into purchasing more vehicles, contributing to one of the highest per capita vehicle ownership rates in the Caribbean – nearly one car per every two citizens. This has led to severe congestion, particularly in Port of Spain, San Fernando and Chaguanas, costing businesses and the economy millions in lost productivity each year.
One area where TT has seen relative success in public transportation is with its water taxi service. Operating primarily between San Fernando and Port of Spain, the service has demonstrated how maritime transport can effectively alleviate road congestion. However, its potential remains underutilised.
New York efficiently integrates its ferries into its broader transport system, connecting boroughs and easing commuter traffic. TT could adopt a similar model by expanding water taxi routes to underserved regions.
Imagine water taxis connecting Mayaro, Toco, Chaguanas, and Felicity to Port of Spain, providing a viable alternative for thousands of daily commuters. Such a system would not only ease rush-hour congestion, but also encourage economic growth in outlying communities.
One of the most alarming issues with our public transpo
