City bus operators slow to adopt new parking system

A build-up of route 41 buses due to halfway parking of other operators

By Mario Joseph

 

A new parking system is in place for route 41, 45 and 46 minibus operators at the Stabroek Market Square but compliance remains a problem.

The system, implemented on Tuesday, was put in place to regularise the parking of the selected bus routes, following a decision by the Traffic Department of ‘A’ Division and the Ministry of Public Works.

Under the new the arrangements, three lanes are designated for route 45 (Main Street/Lamaha) buses, two lanes for route 41 (Guyhoc/South) buses and two lanes for route 46 (Stabroek/Lodge) buses. The lanes are demarcated by yellow lines drawn by police ranks and which are bordered by concrete blocks on the outskirts and steel barricades to guide entry and exit.

However, in the absence of vigilant traffic ranks willing to ensure compliance, the new system has not significantly impacted the operations of ‘hot plate’ operators who solicit passengers from no parking areas, disorderly parking and touting at the bus park.

During a visit to the location yesterday afternoon, Stabroek News witnessed several route 41 buses parking on the outside of the park,