Restrictions lifted on several land transport businesses |14 April 2011

The department of transport has announced that those interested in getting a licence for one of these services can now apply directly to the Seychelles Licensing Authority (SLA).

The news was revealed yesterday during a press conference with transport principal secretary Philippe Morin, transport commissioner David Bianchi and SLA chief executive Marise Berlouis.

“This move is aiming to bring more competition in this sector, develop better services, lower prices and more importantly meet demand, and those who meet the criteria for the service they want to take up can apply immediately,” said Mr Morin.

There are criteria and regulations already in place for each service. For example, one who wants to operate a taxi must have only one car, drive it himself, have good knowledge of Seychelles and tourist-frequented sites and is not permitted to operate an omnibus at the same time.

Car hire operators must have a minimum five brand new cars in their fleet and a maximum of 30, and for omnibus services one to 10 buses per applicant.

Bicycle rental licences are applicable to La Digue island only and applicants should have a minimum 10 and maximum 70 bicycles. There will also be a metal disc attached to each bicycle available for hire, for identification and also reduce the number of illegal bicycles being rented out on the island.

Meetings will be held with applicants to explain the terms and conditions and to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and get the correct information as to how they should run their businesses in accordance with the law.

It was also announced during the press conference yesterday that work is ongoing on a long-term plan to create a Victoria bypass, which vehicles travelling to places outside Victoria can use without passing through town and putting pressure on traffic flow.

This is one of the moves to reduce the traffic problem in Victoria.