NCOPT President Admits Public Transport Sector Needs Improvement
President of the National Council on Public Transportation (NCOPT), Godfrey Ferdinand, has acknowledged growing public dissatisfaction with aspects of Saint Lucia’s public transportation system, while defending the sector’s contribution to national development. During a recent radio interview, several commuters voiced frustration over customer service, vehicle conditions, and the conduct of some bus operators. One caller […] The post NCOPT President Admits Public Transport Sector Needs Improvement appeared first on Saint Lucia Daily Post.
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President of the National Council on Public Transportation (NCOPT), Godfrey Ferdinand, has acknowledged growing public dissatisfaction with aspects of Saint Lucia’s public transportation system, while defending the sector’s contribution to national development.
During a recent radio interview, several commuters voiced frustration over customer service, vehicle conditions, and the conduct of some bus operators.
One caller argued that bus drivers should undergo customer service training, citing poor treatment of passengers and concerns about the state of some vehicles.
Responding to the criticism, Ferdinand admitted that improvements are necessary.
“We are not coming here to pretend that we are okay,” he said. “We need to upgrade. We need to modernize.”
However, he noted that modernization efforts are being hindered by significant financial and logistical challenges.
According to the NCOPT President, obtaining newer vehicles remains difficult, with some operators forced to individually import used vehicles due to limited availability on the local market.
“Companies are not bringing down large quantities of vehicles for operators to simply replace their fleets,” he explained. “Persons have to resort to importing vehicles individually, and that process can take three to four months.”
Ferdinand also pointed to the high cost of newer technologies, including electric vehicles, which many operators currently cannot afford.
Despite the challenges, he emphasized that public transportation operators have played a vital role in Saint Lucia’s development and deserve recognition for their contribution.
“If persons look at the development of this country, we have contributed to that development, and that should be appreciated,” he said.
The NCOPT President reiterated his commitment to improving standards within the sector while advocating for greater support to facilitate fleet upgrades and service improvements
The post NCOPT President Admits Public Transport Sector Needs Improvement appeared first on Saint Lucia Daily Post.
