Jack gives all motorists limited Bus Route access

Jack Warner is offering to open up the Priority Bus Route (PBR) on Trinidad and Toabgo's East west corridor for all motorists between off peak hours, beginning on June 16. The plan, which will be in force for three months on an 'experimental basis', must be approved by the cabinet before going into effect

The plan announced by the Works and Transport minister will give everyone access to the roadway in and out of Port of Spain between four and six in the morning and again from 8.30 in the morning to 2.30 in the afternoon.

Anyone violating the rules will face charges.

It's Warner's first move to try to ease the chronic traffic congestion. Warner has the full support of Maxi Taxi drivers, who use the PBR along Public Transit buses, police and emergency vehicles, and persons who have PBR passes.

There is one stipulation for general use of the roadway: each vehicle using the PBR during the designated hours must have a minimum of three people.

And commercial vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles or mopeds won't be allowed to use the route. He also said drivers must be aware of the time during their travel on the PBR and ensure that they comply with the regulations.

"If at 6 a.m and you’re in Curepe and you know you have to get to Port of Spain, and you know you can’t reach into Port of Spain, come off the bus route or pay $2,000," Warner said.

Warner believes this move will encourage people to organise car pools or give someone a ride in order to get on the PBR.

Warner is also looking at the possibility of making adjustments on the north-south Solomon Hochoy Highway and regulating time of travel for heavy commercial vehicles.