Following the government's approval to develop an omnibus policy that permits the private sector to enter the public transportation market, more commuting options will soon be accessible to residents in Seychelles. The decision is in keeping with the government's objective to liberalize this industry, according to the minister of transportation, Antony Derjacques, who revealed this in a press conference on Thursday. The Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC), which runs on the islands of Mahe and Praslin, has served as Seychelles' sole public transportation provider for more than 40 years. The SPTC moves 50,000 people every day on average.
"After committee consultations, it was clear that the public preferred a service that would complement SPTC offerings. The general populace desires higher-quality services and more comfortable accommodations. We want Seychellois to have additional transportation options and to improve the quality of customer product, "Derjacques remarked. He continued in the north of Mahe; now omnibus operators are offering private bus shuttle services; implementing this ordinance would formalize and make this practice legitimate.
According to Patrick Andre, principal secretary for land transportation, rules established to allow omnibus operators to provide public transportation must be operated, monitored, managed, and enforced by a separate organization. "A proposed law that will apply to the new forms of public transit will supersede the order under which SPTC presently functions.
This individual will decide all the elements that will exist. For individuals interested in participating in this area to show their interest, we will be issuing an official offer with omnibus providers, "Andre stated. The secretary explained that the public intends fewer people to use their private automobiles by permitting omnibus operators to deliver public services, dramatically reducing bottlenecks.
"We would like to change how Seychellois commute, including other things the ministry is adopting, including inter parking structures. This will directly impact how we live, run businesses, and use our commute time. It is unfair that a resident of Mahe's southern region must spend three hours each day traveling to and from work, "Derjacques stated. The press briefing described how the SPTC's operations would stay the same. The government doesn't anticipate increasing the subsidies it gives the business.
"This could lower the amount of money SPTC spends on supplies. Since some employees are drawn to industry work, the corporation may require fewer employees. We anticipate the corporation getting increasingly influential and leaner and, as a result, needing less funding from consumers to run, "Derjacques stated.
