TRANSPORT CHALLENGE: May Pen breaks ground

Ground will be broken soon for a brand-new, state-of-the-art transport centre in the town of May Pen, Clarendon. This comes out of a need to provide more space for the large number of persons travelling through the parish capital, as well as getting public-transport operators to use the spaces provided for them. There are seven transport centres in Clarendon, yet some operators still refuse to use them.

Chairman of the Clarendon Parish Council, and mayor of May Pen Scean Barnswell, said the location has been identified and the owner engaged.

"We have already done the design and we are now waiting for funding to begin the work. It will be a state-of-the-art facility complete with shops for vendors and a police post."

unruly taxI and bus drivers

He said some of the challenges faced would include taxi and bus operators who refuse to use the designated transport centre. Instead, these drivers load their vehicles on the streets, impeding the flow of traffic.

"Eagle Park is scheduled to be renovated and properly marked and adequate signage put in place. The main bus park, located close to the clock, is out of space as many persons have put up shops to conduct small businesses, as well as food and haberdashery vendors plying their wares. So there is limited space for taxis and minibus operators to operate."

Barnswell said there were no reports of extortion; however, he noted there was an influx of so-called 'back-up men' seeking to load taxis and buses in the town for a fee.