New developments at the SPTC |10 September 2013

New drivers’ scheme of service, renovation works progress well

Bus drivers employed by the Seychelles Public Transport Corporation (SPTC) now have a new scheme of service and this is one of the many developments going on within the company.

SPTC chief executive Geffy Zialor said that despite the many criticisms, this is the third time the bus drivers’ scheme is revised.
The first scheme dates back to 2004 hence the actual one is a revised version of the latter.

“We plan to update the scheme so that it reflects the actual circumstances of today, for example what the responsibilities of the drivers are and what they should not be doing, among other issues with regard to their job,” said Mr Zialor.

He also pointed out that the SPTC is completing the second phase of renovation works on the Victoria bus terminal and moving on to the third.  

Mr Zialor is calling on members of the public to make use of the board put in place to provide them with information as to where their platforms have been temporarily relocated until work is completed on their actual platforms.

“We urge members of the public to use the board as directed as we move to the third phase of the project. As observed previously, the first couple of days are chaotic. The board is there to guide the public. We have also educated people about the changes through television and radio broadcast,” added Mr Zialor.  

To reduce congestion at the terminal, the SPTC is also making provisions for a temporary shelter.  It is also making sure it takes safety precautions very seriously to avoid any injuries or accidents as work progresses.   
    
As part of its future plans, the SPTC is anticipating an extension phase with certain new features.
Mr Zialor stated that they have planned to complete all renovation work by the end of this year or early next year. The total cost for project is R9 million and has been financed by the Seychelles government.

The SPTC is also undertaking the construction of a new bus depot at Ile du Port.  The construction is in line with the renovation work being carried out at the Victoria bus terminal.  The R2.3 million Ile du Port bus depot project is being financed by the SPTC to help reduce congestion at the existing depot and at the bus terminal in terms of parking availability. The plot of land for the new depot is the one used for the ‘park and ride’ trial project.

According to Mr Zialor, the ‘park and ride’ project has not been abolished and will be reactivated whenever there is a need to in the future especially with the new parking tariffs in town which might encourage members of public to use the service in future.  
    
Mr Zialor also noted that the SPTC has recorded six accidents since May this year and that the police are still investigating the fire incident which destroyed three of the company’s buses. To date no suspects have been apprehended.

Mr Zialor noted that they are reviewing their security system so that no such incident occurs again.