Vintas Wants Number Of People Allowed On Buses Increased

By Demion McTair. Posted 3:55 a.m., Updated 12;07 p.m. Tuesday, 21 April 2020, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4). Cover Photo: Stephan Hornsey.

Kingstown, St. Vincent (ONE NEWS SVG) – The Vincentian Transportation Association – VINTAS said Monday, that it wants an increase in the number of people allowed on omnibuses.

In a release on April 20, VINTAS said one of the measures it had discussed with the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is that “The government will review in two (2) weeks’ time, the request for the increase in capacity for the various sizes of omnibus”.

One News SVG contacted VINTAS via telephone on Monday to gain further clarity on the request. A senior official said it would be up to the policy-makers to determine the exact number.

“What we are saying is take a look at this, review it under the circumstances and let’s see how we can positively improve that, if it is possible based on the guidance of the health people” – the VINTAS representative added.

As part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and the Environment announced on April 3, that the recommended number of passengers on mini vans be nine.

The earlier figure was 13.

Sanitization protocols for mini buses was also announced and agreed upon by Vintas.

The organization agreed to resume its services on April 20 after a withdrawal due to Covid-19 measures.

VINTAS said it held a meeting on Monday, April 20 “to evaluate commitments made by the government” and “agreed that under circumstances, service to the general public should resume”.

The organization met with the government on April 17.